Abstract:
Background: Sudden Unexplained Death Syndrome (SUDS), one of the major causes of sudden death in Thai men, is related to Brugada syndrome (BS). SUDS were more common among Thai male workers in Singapore than those in Thailand. The prevalence of Brugada-type ECG in Singapore has not been studied. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of Brugada type electrocardiography (ECG) in Thai male workers in Bangkok and Singapore Methods: Total of 732 healthy Thai male workers in Singapore and 1000 male Thai workers in Thailand were screened by history taking, physical examination and ECG (standard and 6-higher-intercostal-space (HIC)-lead V[subscript 1] to V[subscript 3]: V[subscript 1] to V[subscript 3] and -2V[subscript 1] to -2V[subscript 3]). All ECG were independently reviewed by three cardiologists. The diagnosis of a Brugada-type ECG was required with agreement at least two cardiologists. Results: Mean age of Thai male workers in Singapore was higher than those in Bangkok (40.7+- 5.9, 32.4+- 6.0 yrs; p < 0.001). Most of Thai male workers came from northeast of Thailand. The prevalence of Brugada Type 1 ECG in Singapore and Bangkok were 2% and 0.3% respectively. Conclusion: Prevalence of Brugada-Type ECG among Thai male workers in Singapore was higher than in Bangkok.