Palpitations in paediatric patients

When public outpatient services are not routinely provided

• Episodes of short-lived palpitations correlating to a normal heart rhythm on a Holter monitor
• Single episode of short-lived palpitations in an otherwise well child
• Single episode of tachycardia detected on a home monitoring device with no associated symptoms

Criteria to access public outpatient services

Information to include within a referral

Required

• Reason for referral
• Details of the presenting condition, including symptoms and their duration, and impact on activities of daily living and school attendance
• Provisional diagnosis
• Patient health summary (such as relevant medical history, relevant investigations, current medications and dosages, immunisations, allergies and/or adverse reactions)

If available

• Cardiac investigations including electrocardiogram (ECG), Holter and/or event monitor
• Family history of first-degree relative with heritable arrhythmia, cardiomyopathy and/or sudden cardiac death
• History, exposure and use of tobacco, smoking and/or vaping

Important information for referring health professionals

If there is a change to a patient’s condition while waiting for their appointment, referring health professionals may further investigate and manage the situation, or send an updated referral to the outpatient service. Where there are significant concerns about a patient's condition, referring health professionals may check HealthPathways for urgent/same day advice or contact the relevant clinical team.