Mark Hand – Ironman & Brugada Syndrome survivor

Hi, I’m Mark & I would like to share my story to raise awareness of Brugada Syndrome & to fundraise to enable the continued investigation into its causes & affects.

Brugada Syndrome is a rare genetic disorder that increases the risk of abnormal heart rhythms and sudden cardiac death.

I had my first episode when I was 13 years old & the second at 14. At that time, nobody knew what was happening or could even hazard a guess as to why. 13 years ago, at age 36, I was living a normal life with my wife & our growing family, when totally unexpectedly, I experienced a heart attack. Over the next 18 months I had multiple attacks including a cardiac arrest.

The medical team caring for me could not figure why a fit healthy young man was suffering these attacks. After a series of tests, my heart was confirmed as normal; I had no blockages in any of my arteries or any other issues that could explain the episodes. Luckily, I came in contact with one of the very few specialists with experience of Brugada syndrome, a Cardiac electrophysiologist. I soon learned that Brugada does not affect the structure of your heart, it effects the way electrical signals pass through it and can result in fatal arrhythmias.

This was devastating news, not only as a direct impact on my health but the shocking impact of it being inherited syndrome and the consequences of this. All my relatives including parents, brothers, sisters, cousins, nieces, and nephews all needed to be tested for the syndrome, and of course my own children.

Within days of diagnosis, I underwent surgery to have an AICD implanted. This device has literally saved my life on multiple occasions, by regulating my heart rate and managing the heart arrhythmias.

Coming to terms with Brugada and its consequences has been difficult and at times traumatic, but I cannot allow myself to be defined by it.

I have been told again and again that the only exercise I can do going forward is a brisk walk - this is still the current advise for all Brugada sufferers in 2023.

I decided to push the boundaries and with the support of my family, my coaches in Passion Fit and my medical team continue to do so. The childhood dream of coming through the finish line as an Ironman propelling me forward. As the first contestant with Brugada Syndrome to take part in an Ironman course, I want to inspire others to follow their dreams and to believe that with perseverance, hope and a little bit of luck, anything is possible.

I would like your help to support the ongoing research needed to improve the lives of all those affected by this condition. Help me to make a difference one stroke, one pedal rotation & one step at a time.

Please support my Ironman challenge & help us pave the way for a brighter future for individuals and their families impacted by Brugada Syndrome.