In 1992 Dr. Josep Brugada and his brother Dr. Pedro Brugada recognized a cardiac defect causing sudden death through ventricular fibrillation (a lethal arrhythmia) as a distinct clinical entity.  This syndrome was named “Brugada syndrome” by scientists at the MMRL in 1996 in honor of the two Brugada brothers.

The Brugada syndrome is an inherited cardiac arrhythmia syndrome that can lead to sudden unexpected cardiac death in apparently healthy individuals.  It is hereditary and it generally afflicts individuals as they reach their third and fourth decade of life. Some are individuals who have not been sick a day in their lives until one day, they experience a cardiac arrest in their sleep, often without warning.

It is more common in men than in women and has a higher prevalence in most Asian populations.  If not corrected by the administration of an electrical shock to the victim’s heart within several minutes, the patient could sustain brain damage (due to lack of oxygen) or death can result.

There is no cure at present. The only proven effective treatment at present is the implantation of an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD).  This device automatically senses when the heart experiences a dangerous arrhythmia and automatically provides an electrical shock to restore the normal rhythm.

Dr. Josep Brugada is also the sports cardiologist of the Barcelona FC.

If you would like to arrange a consultation with Dr. Brugada in order for him to evaluate your case please contact us at info@medabcn.com or make your enquiry by using the ‘Make an Enquiry’ form on our website.