At a very moving ceremony, on June 5, 2019, Dr. Brugada received the Scientific Prize of the Lefoulon-Delalande Foundation, at the seat of the Institute of France for his research on cardiac arrhythmia and the discovery of the syndrome that carries his name.
Brugada Syndrome is one of the most common causes of sudden death of cardiac origin and is a genetic defect that causes unusual, potentially fatal arrhythmia in the heart. Dr. Brugada describes the syndrome as a specific pattern on the electrocardiogram in patients who have suffered and survived cardiac arrest. In some countries, sudden death is the second cause of death in young people after traffic accidents. In Europe, the syndrome affects one in a thousand people and because it is genetic in nature, it can affect several members of the same family.
In the words of Dr. Brugada, "this award is the recognition of 30 years of research on which many colleagues of mine have worked, including our team at Hospiten Estepona. The award represents a great incentive in this delicate phase where we are already moving towards the future genetic correction and cure of Brugada syndrome".
Although, as stated by the head of the Cardiology Service at Hospiten Estepona, Antonio Ramirez, "This award is the recognition of the trajectory of a professional life not only limited to the description of a syndrome, but to research and the global understanding of all its clinical spectrum: genetic bases, epidemiology, clinical manifestations, its relationship with other channelopathies, diagnosis, stratification and the development of different treatment options ... Very few scientists have contributed so much to the knowledge of a disease".
Furthermore, in the course of his work, Dr. Pedro Brugada has applied some of the most innovative and minimally invasive techniques like cryoablation of pulmonary veins in patients with atrial fibrillation, electrophysiological studies, ablation of radiofrequency tachycardia and implanting resynchronization and cardiac defibrillator devices.
Known as the prelude to the "Nobel", this award is celebrated by Hospiten and as our President, Dr. Pedro Luis Cobiella, adds, "It is an honor to have Dr. Brugada on our medical team, because he stands for the values of excellence in research. Not only has he discovered and described the syndrome that bears his name, but he has dedicated his professional life to improving innovative techniques like cryoablation, and the ablation of tachycardia and he continues to research tirelessly to provide solutions for or improve the lives of patients diagnosed".
What is Brugada Syndrome?
Brugada Syndrome is a genetic disease. It is caused by an alteration in the genes responsible for the formation of heart proteins that regulate the passage of ions through the cell membrane, known as ion channels, that is why the disease is included in the group known as channelopathies. An alteration in the flow of ions through the membranes of heart cells creates electrical alterations that can bring about arrhythmia, generally ventricular, which, in turn, can cause syncope (fainting) or even sudden death. Since its discovery decades ago, many lives have been saved.
Dr. Pedro Brugada began research into the syndrome in 1986, when the case of two brothers, one of whom had suffered several cardiac arrests and whose sister had died in the same way, came into his hands. As a result, he recognizes that over thirty years he has seen the complexity of mechanisms that can cause the disease grow.