Suffer from blackouts? You could have this rare life-threatening heart condition

It’s a heart rhythm disturbance that’s rare and inherited, according to the British Heart Foundation.

It happens when the flow of sodium ions into the heart cells is restricted, which causes the electrical impulses through the heart to be disrupted.

This can in turn lead to life-threatening heart rhythms.

It’s not common in the western world, but does tend to affect young to middle-aged men and some women.

The most prevalent demographic is young men of South East Asian descent.

Blacking out is the main symptom of the condition.

This is triggered by a disturbance in the heart’s rhythm or palpitations.

However, often suffers don’t experience any symptoms at all, which can be dangerous.

If you do suddenly collapse, CPR should be performed as quickly as possible.

Similarly, Brugada Syndrome can be difficult to diagnose, but can be with an ECG.

If you’ve already had a cardiac arrest, or if you have an abnormal ECG but no symptoms, then your risk is greater.

A doctor might suggest you have an ICD fitted.

If you have one, there are certain precautions you need to be aware of.

You may be given prescribed medicines to help prevent or reduce occurrence of abnormal heart rhythms.

Additionally, discuss with your doctor first before taking over-the-counter medicines and supplements.

Severe episodes of vomiting and diarrhoea can impact on your sodium an potassium levels and you may need to be prescribed oral rehydration supplements.