Exercise and Exercise Stress Testing in Brugada Syndrome

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Authors: Pattara Rattanawong, Narathorn Kulthamrongsri, Eugene H. Chung
Cited by: 1
References: 69

Abstract

channel blocker testing remains central to diagnosis, the role of exercise stress testing (EST) in Brugada syndrome is increasingly recognized. Evidence indicates that peak exercise may unmask rate-dependent depolarization abnormalities capable of provoking arrhythmias, whereas the early recovery phase-marked by abrupt sympathetic withdrawal and parasympathetic rebound-more commonly reveals repolarization abnormalities, unmasking the type-1 Brugada pattern and triggering ventricular arrhythmias. Exercise-induced premature ventricular contractions and ST-segment changes during early recovery may serve as clinically meaningful markers of arrhythmic risk. Despite rare case reports of exercise-triggered ventricular arrhythmias, EST appears generally safe when performed with appropriate monitoring and may enhance diagnostic accuracy, particularly when paired with high precordial lead placement or drug provocation. Optimizing EST protocols and integrating recovery-phase markers may improve individualized risk stratification in Brugada syndrome.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Cardiac electrophysiology and arrhythmias Ion channel regulation and function Congenital heart defects research

Publication details

Journal / source
JACC Asia
Publisher
Elsevier BV
Volume
6
Issue
6
Pages
848–859
Publication date
1 June 2026
Language
EN