Brugada Syndrome
Brugada Syndrome is an inherited arrhythmia syndrome that affects 1 out of 5000 in the population. It is caused by abnormal electrical recharging of the heart, most commonly due to abnormal channels in heart muscle cells that control the flow of sodium. Individuals with Brugada Syndrome may have symptoms from abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias), including palpitations, fainting or seizures. Arrhythmias often occur at times of rest or with fevers, and affect men more seriously than women. There is a large amount of variability in the risk of arrhythmias among individuals with Brugada Syndrome, even within the same family. Evaluation of the whole family is important since the condition is often passed on to the next generation of a family but may not cause symptoms initially.