Brugada Criteria for Ventricular Tachycardia
4-step algorithm to differentiate ventricular tachycardia (VT) from supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) with aberrancy on a 12-lead ECG. Sensitivity ~99%, specificity ~97% for VT.
Score interpretation
None of the 4 Brugada criteria met. Likely SVT with aberrant conduction.
→ Treat as SVT if haemodynamically stable: vagal manoeuvres, adenosine 6mg IV. However: if in doubt, treat as VT — adenosine is safer than giving calcium channel blockers for VT.
One or more Brugada criteria met. Ventricular tachycardia highly likely.
→ If haemodynamically unstable: immediate synchronised DC cardioversion. If stable: amiodarone 300mg IV over 20–60 min. DO NOT give verapamil or diltiazem. Senior cardiology review. 12-lead ECG essential.
Interpretation bands for the Brugada VT Criteria. Apply clinical judgement and local guidance.
References
- Brugada P, et al. A new approach to the differential diagnosis of a regular tachycardia with a wide QRS complex. Circulation. 1991;83(5):1649–1659.
Related
Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.
- Lidocaine IV (Cardiac Arrhythmia) · Antiarrhythmic
- Prothrombin Complex Concentrate (PCC) · Coagulation Factor Concentrate — Warfarin Reversal
- Vitamin B complex · B-vitamin combination
- Factor VIII inhibitor bypassing fraction (Specialist drug) · Activated prothrombin complex concentrate
- Dried prothrombin complex · 4-factor prothrombin complex concentrate (PCC)
- Acute Heart Failure · ESC 2021 Heart Failure Guidelines; NICE NG106
- NSTEMI / Unstable Angina · ESC 2020 NSTEMI Guidelines; NICE NG185
- New-Onset Atrial Fibrillation · ESC 2020 AF Guidelines; NICE NG196
- Hypertensive Emergency · ESC/ESH 2018 Hypertension Guidelines; NICE NG136
- Bradycardia Management · Resuscitation Council UK ABCDE; ESC 2021 Pacing Guidelines
- Ventricular Tachycardia / Fibrillation · Resuscitation Council UK ACLS; ESC 2022 Ventricular Arrhythmia Guidelines
Decision support only — verify against a current formulary, NICE, or your local guideline before clinical use.