Beyond Common Arrhythmias: Discovering Brugada Syndrome in a Patient With Nonspecific Symptoms

Brugada syndrome is an inherited cardiac channelopathy associated with life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death and is often detected incidentally. We report a 48-year-old Filipino man who presented with persistent upper respiratory symptoms and intermittent atypical chest pain, with a history of recurrent syncope. Physical examination and cardiac biomarkers were normal. Electrocardiography revealed a spontaneous type 1 Brugada pattern in leads V2-V3. Echocardiography showed mild left ventricular hypertrophy, and exercise stress testing was negative for ischemia. Based on clinical and electrocardiographic findings, implantable cardioverter-defibrillator placement was advised. This case emphasizes the importance of recognizing Brugada syndrome in patients presenting with nonspecific symptoms to enable timely diagnosis and appropriate risk stratification.