Palpitations

Palpitations — referral criteria for Cardiology services.

Eligibility

At least one must be met for the patient to be eligible for referral.

Clinically suspected or confirmed palpitations with initial primary-care work-up completed

Red flags

Indicate urgent (Category 1) referral or emergency assessment.

Palpitations with any of the following — shortness of breath

Palpitations with any of the following — chest pain

Palpitations with any of the following — heart failure

Palpitations with any of the following — syncope, pre-syncope or loss of consciousness

Palpitations with any of the following — persisting tachyarrhythmia on electrocardiogram (ECG)

Routine referral criteria

Determine Category 2 or 3 urgency.

Palpitations with any of the following — abnormal electrocardiogram (ECG)

Palpitations with any of the following — abnormal echocardiogram

Palpitations with any of the following — other cardiac disease

Palpitations with any of the following — functional impact of symptoms on daily activities including impact on work, study, or carer role

Palpitations with any of the following — family history of sudden cardiac death or structural heart disease

Usually managed in primary care

Patients with palpitations less than 10 minutes duration without any other cardiac symptoms
Patients with sinus arrhythmia
Patients that are already under the care of a cardiologist