Brugada syndrome is characterised by episodes of rapid polymorphic ventricular tachycardia, these episodes may self terminate with the patient suffering a syncope episode. The tachycardia can degenerate in to ventricular fibrillation resulting in cardiac arrest. Several genes are thought to possibly cause Brugada syndrome but only the SCN5A gene on chromosome 3 has been positively identified, where the sodium channels are affected. Sodium channel deficiency leads to polymorphic ventricular tachycardia and this is probably a direct result of slow conduction through the heart.
What are the symptoms of Brugada syndrome
Episodes of dizziness and loss of consciousness sometimes associated with chest pain, sweating. Rigidity and shaking of the limbs associated with Brugada syndrome can sometimes be mistaken for idiopathic epilepsy.
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