Brugada syndrome is a rare condition that affects the electrical messages which control your heart rate. This causes an abnormal, very fast heart beat.
It can be life-threatening for some, but treatment can control the risks and help you manage the condition.
What is Brugada syndrome?
Your heart rhythm is controlled by electrical messages. These messages control lots of things in your body, like how your heart and brain work. With Brugada syndrome, the messages don’t get delivered to your heart’s cells properly. This is because your heart's channels (like tiny pores) aren't working as they should. Your hearts cells then don't receive the right balance of chemicals (called electrolytes) that help to send electrical messages to the rest of your heart and body.
This is what causes people with Brugada syndrome to have an abnormal heart rhythm.
What are the symptoms of Brugada syndrome?
Many people with Brugada syndrome don’t have any symptoms. But some people experience:
- feeling light headed or dizzy
- fainting or blackouts
- having fits
- feeling breathless or shortness of breath
- palpitations (a fluttering or pounding feeling in your chest or neck).
Symptoms often show up in adulthood, but they can start at any age.
Although you can have symptoms at any time, some triggers can be:
- dehydration
- drinking lots of alcohol
- having a fever or a high temperature.
When should I get medical help?
Visit your local GP service or healthcare team if:
- you have unexplained blackouts or fits (seizures)
- you've already been diagnosed with Brugada syndrome, and you experience any new symptoms that cause you discomfort or concern
- one of your parents, siblings or children has been diagnosed with Brugada syndrome – this might mean you’re at risk of developing the condition too
- a close family member has died suddenly with no explanation – this might mean they had an undiagnosed heart condition, and you might be at risk of developing the condition too.
What causes Brugada syndrome?
Brugada syndrome is often caused by a faulty (or changed) gene inherited from a parent.
Our genes make up who we are. If you inherit a gene that could pass on a high-risk condition like Brugada syndrome from one of your parents, you may have a higher risk of developing the condition too.
Find out more
There are some less common causes of Brugada syndrome, like:
- problems with the structure of your heart
- side effects from medicines
- recreational drugs like cocaine.
How is Brugada syndrome diagnosed?
Brugada syndrome is usually diagnosed with an ECG (electrocardiogram).
ECGs are very common tests. They record the electrical activity in your heart through sensors that are stuck on your chest, arms and legs. The test can help your doctor find problems with the rhythm of your heart. ECGs are usually quick and painless.
If your ECG appears normal, you might need other tests if you’ve got symptoms. Other tests might include:
- You may need another type of ECG where you will receive an injection of medication that will try to make your heart go into an abnormal rhythm in a controlled way. Your healthcare team will be monitoring you through it to keep you safe.
- Wearing a portable ECG for 24 or 48 hours (a Holter test). This will help your doctor monitor your heart rhythm for longer. You’ll have sensors stuck to your chest and they will be connected to a small recording device on a belt you’ll wear around your waist.
- A blood or saliva test to see if you have the faulty (or changed) gene that could cause a heart condition, like Brugada syndrome.
Many people have these tests every day but if you’re worried about them, you can talk to your doctor or specialist before your test. They will help you understand what to expect and answer any questions you have.
After your diagnosis, you may be referred for genetic testing to screen for any faulty genes that are linked with the condition. Your immediate family members (such as parents, siblings and your children) may also be invited for assessment.
Are you finding it hard to get medical help?
We know that many of you are experiencing delays to treatment at this time, or have questions and concerns about getting medical help. We've created this set of information to help you with these issues.
If you are having emergency heart attack symptoms, do not wait for an appointment and call 999 immediately.
How is Brugada syndrome treated?
There’s currently no cure for Brugada syndrome. Most people can manage their risk of developing a very fast heart rhythm with some simple lifestyle choices.
You might be advised to avoid things that could trigger a very fast heartbeat, like:
- A high temperature – if you become unwell with a fever, you can help to lower it by taking paracetamol unless you've been told not to take it by your doctor.
- Dehydration – if you have diarrhoea or have been sick for more than a day, you might become dehydrated and you should contact your doctor for advice. You might lose a lot of fluid and may need special rehydration drinks.
- Drinking too much alcohol – too much alcohol can increase the risk of experiencing an irregular heart rhythm. Try to stick to the recommended weekly amount of alcohol.
- Taking certain medicines – some medicines can trigger Brugada syndrome. Always let any medical professional you see know about your condition, so they can check prescribed medications are right for you.
- High intensity exercise or sports – physical activity is good for your mental and physical health, but your doctor might advise you to find alternatives to some high intensity exercises. Some options are yoga or pilates. If you like getting out, riding a bike may be more suitable than running.
If your healthcare team think you have a higher risk of developing a potentially dangerous heart rhythm, they might suggest you have an ICD fitted to manage your condition and reduce your risk:
- ICD (implantable cardioverter defibrillator) - this is a small device fitted under your skin, usually near your collarbone. It will send a shock to reset your heartbeat if it becomes dangerously fast.
Your doctor or specialist will regularly assess how your heart is working and your treatment plan. Their advice or recommended treatment might change over time so it’s important to go to any appointments. They will support you and answer any questions you might have.
What are the risks or complications of Brugada syndrome?
Brugada syndrome is a serious condition but it’s rare. Sometimes it can lead to a life-threatening abnormal heart rhythm. If it’s not treated quickly, it can lead to a cardiac arrest.
A cardiac arrest is when your heart suddenly stops pumping blood around your body. When your heart stops pumping blood, your brain is starved of oxygen. This causes you to fall unconscious and stop breathing.
How can having Brugada syndrome affect my lifestyle?
Many people with Brugada syndrome can live their normal lives and do everyday activities, like:
- driving
- having sex
- exercise or being physically active
- getting pregnant and having children.
But some people can experience symptoms that can affect their daily activities. Your doctor or specialist might advise you to avoid certain things that could increase your risk of developing a dangerously fast heart rhythm.
You should speak to your healthcare team about what activities are safe for you to do. They will discuss your condition and the long-term impact on your lifestyle it might have. And they will support you if you feel worried or have questions.
- If you need an ICD, there may be things to plan for, such as not driving for a little while after having it fitted.
- In some cases, medication, such as beta blockers, may help prevent or reduce the occurrence of abnormal heart rhythms.
- You should discuss over-the-counter medicines and supplements with your doctor as some of these may cause symptoms or react with medicines you may already be taking.
- Prolonged (longer than a day) or severe episodes of vomiting or diarrhoea can affect your sodium and potassium levels. You should discuss this with your doctor who may prescribe oral rehydration supplements. These supplements can help to replenish sodium and potassium levels but should be used under medical supervision.
- You should always inform medical staff that you have Brugada Syndrome when you speak to them.
Read about Kevin Munden’s experience of living with Brugada syndrome.
Can I plan a pregnancy and have children if I have Brugada syndrome?
Yes, most people with Brugada syndrome can plan to have children. But you should speak to your GP or specialist healthcare team before trying to get pregnant. This is because the gene that can cause the condition can be passed down from parents to their children.
You might be referred to a genetic counselling service to discuss the risk of your baby inheriting the faulty gene if:
- you have a family history of the condition
- you or your partner have been diagnosed with Brugada syndrome.
Your healthcare team will be able to support you and your partner through the process and answer any questions you might have.
Do you need support?
Having a problem with your heart like Brugada syndrome can be worrying. Your local GP service and specialist healthcare team are there to help you. But if you’re feeling concerned and would like emotional support, our cardiac nurses can help you too. You can contact our Heart Helpline nurses. Or you can connect with other people in a similar situation to you on our online HealthUnlocked community.
- We also have an emotional support hub, where we talk to others who've struggled coming to terms with their condition.
Inherited abnormal heart rhythms booklet
This booklet explains what Brugada syndrome is. It covers screening, testing and implications for your family and future generations.Order or download
Page last updated: Oct 2022
Next update due: Oct 2025
Genetic information service
If you have further questions about inherited heart conditions, our Genetic Information Service can help you. Lines are open from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday (charged at a rate similar to 01 or 02 calls).
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