Criteria for referral to public hospital specialist clinic services

• Palpitations with any of the following:
  • abnormal electrocardiogram (ECG)
  • abnormal echocardiogram
  • other cardiac disease
  • functional impact of symptoms on daily activities including impact on work, study, or carer role
  • family history of sudden cardiac death or structural heart disease.

Information to be included in the referral

Information that must be provided

• Details of all relevant signs and symptoms including the duration and frequency of the episodes of palpitations
• Current and previous 12 lead electrocardiogram (ECG) tracings, particularly those during the episodes of palpitations
• Current and complete medication history (including non-prescription medicines, herbs and supplements)
• History of underlying cardiac disease
• Any family history of sudden cardiac death
• Urea and electrolyte results
• Liver function tests
• Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) level.

Provide if available

• Details of previous hospital admissions or presentations to emergency department for palpitations
• Holter monitor report
• Echocardiogram report
• If the person identifies as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander
• If symptoms are thought to be linked to probable or confirmed SARS CoV-2 (COVID-19) infection or Long COVID.

Additional comments

The Summary and referral information lists the information that should be included in a referral request.

The referral should note if the request is for a second or subsequent opinion as requests for a second opinion will usually not be accepted.

Note: there are also cardiology statewide referral criteria for Atrial fibrillation.

Where appropriate and available the referral may be directed to an alternative specialist clinic or service.

Referral to a public hospital is not appropriate for

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