Overview

An ajmaline test is used to diagnose a heart condition called Brugada syndrome.

Brugada syndrome

Brugada syndrome is a heart condition that can cause changes to your heart rhythm (arrhythmia). Your heart may beat too fast, too slow, or irregularly. 

Most people with Brugada syndrome feel well and do not have symptoms. However, some people may still be at risk of developing a dangerously fast heart rhythm. This can cause symptoms such as a pounding or racing heartbeat (palpitations), dizziness, chest pain, blackouts, or, in rare cases, sudden death. 

The NHS website has more information about Brugada syndrome.

If you have these symptoms, or if a close family member has been diagnosed with Brugada syndrome, your doctor may recommend an ajmaline test with an ECG (electrocardiogram). This test checks if you have Brugada syndrome. 

How the test can help

If the test shows that you do not have Brugada syndrome, we can reassure you that you are not at risk. 

If the test shows that you do have Brugada syndrome, we can support you to manage it and reduce any risks. We can support you and your family, such as explaining your diagnosis and what this might mean for your family members.

We can also give lifestyle advice. For example, sometimes a diagnosis of Brugada syndrome can impact your mortgage or insurance policies. If you have any questions or concerns about this, speak to your doctor or nurse.

Risks and side effects

You should not feel any pain during the test. You might notice a warm feeling or a metallic taste in your mouth when you are being given ajmaline. This usually wears off quickly. 

Side effects of the test are rare. In less than 2 out of 100 people, ajmaline can cause the heart to beat dangerously fast. In very rare cases (around 1 in 250 people), this can be life‑threatening and may need urgent treatment, such as an electrical shock to the heart.

The test is done in hospital so trained staff and emergency equipment are available at all times.

Giving your permission (consent)

We want to involve you in decisions about your care and treatment. If you decide to have the procedure or treatment, we will ask you to sign a consent form. This says that you understand what is involved and agree to have the treatment.

Read more about our consent process.

Preparing for your test

If you need to take medicines within 4 hours of the test, take them with small sips of water only. 

If needed, please shave your upper chest before your appointment to remove any hair. 

During the test

We give you ajmaline through a small tube (cannula) placed into a vein in your arm. This usually takes 5 to 10 minutes.

While the medicine is being given, your heart rhythm will be recorded with an ECG every minute. This shows how your heart responds to ajmaline. 

• If you do not have Brugada syndrome, ajmaline usually causes little or no change to your ECG.
• If you do have Brugada syndrome, ajmaline causes specific ECG changes that are linked with this condition

The test takes less than 20 minutes, but you might stay at the hospital for longer to monitor your ECG results. You will usually be in hospital for 2 hours, but this might be longer on busy day.

After the test

Your doctor or nurse will explain the result to you and talk you through what happens next. You'll have time to ask questions before you leave hospital, and you will be given contact details in case you have questions later.

Ajmaline leaves your body quickly. You can eat, drink, and drive immediately after the test.

More information

The NHS website has more information about Brugada Syndrome. 

www.nhs.uk/conditions/brugada-syndrome