Sudden Death Syndrome Caused This Man's Heart to Stop Twice - Article Health

Texas resident Karl Wiggins received a surprising diagnosis, and a second chance at life, earlier this year after collapsing behind the wheel of his car. The 54-year-old’s heart had stopped, according to ABC 13 News, and a bystander called 911 and performed chest compressions until emergency personnel arrived.

At the hospital, doctors had to restart Wiggins’ heart—multiple times. When they looked at his test results, they discovered he has a condition known as Brugada syndrome, also known as sudden death syndrome.

What is Brugada syndrome?
Brugada syndrome is a genetic disorder that causes disruptions of the heart’s normal rhythm, says Samy Claude Elayi, MD, professor of medicine at the University of Kentucky’s Gill Heart Institute. Dr. Elayi has not had Wiggins as a patient, but did treat twin brothers with the same condition in 2015.

How common is Brugada syndrome, and who is at risk?
It’s estimated that Brugada syndrome affects only about five per 10,000 people worldwide, although some experts suspect that the condition may be underdiagnosed and that the actual prevalence may be higher. It affects more men than women, by a ratio of about 10 to one.

When does Brugada syndrome usually strike?
The heart abnormalities present in Brugada syndrome can develop at any time throughout life, and people can show symptoms related to arrhythmias—including sudden death—at any age, as well. Those symptoms often occur when a person is resting or asleep, but (as in Wiggins’ experience) that’s not always the case.

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