Brugada Syndrome

To make a Brugada syndrome diagnosis, a healthcare provider will:

• Perform a physical exam.
• Review your medical history.
• Review your biological family history, especially a history of sudden cardiac death.
• Order tests.

What tests will be done to diagnose Brugada syndrome?

Tests for diagnosing Brugada syndrome include:

• Genetic testing: Using your saliva or blood sample, this test can confirm that you have a specific genetic variation that indicates Brugada syndrome. Other biological family members may want to have a test for this variation. It’s important to schedule a screening for this condition if you have a biological first-degree relative with Brugada syndrome. First-degree relatives are your parents, siblings and children.
• Electrocardiogram (EKG): This test records the electrical activity that makes your heart beat. Brugada syndrome type 1 describes a specific EKG pattern a provider sees in your results. Brugada syndrome type 2 or 3 has a weaker version of this pattern and isn’t a definite diagnosis. With triggers, the pattern can change from type 2 or 3 to type 1. Because this pattern may not appear at first, a provider may do the test two more times in a row. They reposition the leads between tests to try to capture the pattern. They also may do an EKG before and after you eat a large meal.
• EKG with medication: Before doing an EKG, your provider may give you medication that helps the Brugada pattern show up on the EKG results if you have the condition. Your provider may call this a drug challenge test. They may use it if you have a type 2 or 3 pattern on your EKG to see if it changes to a type 1 pattern.

Based on your EKG results, you may also have:

• Electrophysiology (EP) testing: Providers place catheters inside your heart through your femoral vein in your leg. These catheters measure electrical activity from inside your heart. You may have this test if your diagnosis is unclear after other tests.
• Lab tests: Blood tests check for a normal electrolyte balance, like potassium, calcium and magnesium, and can rule out other causes of an abnormal heart rhythm.