Cardiology Clinic is a rapid low-risk palpitations pathway for patients who do not need urgent cardiology referral but may benefit from ECG and short-term rhythm capture.
We are happy for GPs to signpost suitable low-risk palpitations patients to Cardiology Clinic.
Patients self-refer and choose whether to proceed with private rhythm monitoring if it is clinically appropriate.
What to expect
- A 30-minute face-to-face assessment for patients aged 16 and over.
- Advice on whether further investigation is clinically appropriate — any ECG, echocardiogram, ambulatory monitor or blood test can then be arranged through you or the NHS team in the usual way.
- A letter sent to you after every consultation, including any findings of clinical significance.
- Red-flag patients are excluded at the suitability screen and directed to the appropriate NHS or urgent-care route.
Cardiology Clinic is not a chest pain, syncope, emergency, or full cardiology service. It is a focused pathway for low-risk palpitations only.
Inclusion criteria
- Intermittent palpitations
- Clinically stable
- No current chest pain
- No syncope or collapse
- No severe breathlessness
- No acute illness
- Willing to receive a summary and share it with their GP
Exclusion criteria — red flags
Cardiology Clinic is not suitable for patients with any of the following:
- Chest pain
- Fainting or syncope
- Severe breathlessness
- Palpitations with collapse
- Known high-risk arrhythmia
- A very fast, ongoing heart rhythm
- New neurological symptoms
- Acutely unwell patients
- Patients needing emergency assessment
- Patients requiring a full cardiology consultation
How significant findings are handled
Every patient is assessed at the initial appointment to confirm suitability. Significant findings — for example atrial fibrillation or flutter, SVT, significant pauses, a high ectopy burden, or an abnormal baseline ECG — are escalated promptly to NHS cardiology, and the patient is advised directly. Where a structural cause is suspected, referral for echocardiography and specialist assessment is arranged (echocardiography is not performed at this clinic).
Load on your practice
Most suitable low-risk patients will not require further GP action. Where Dr Ahmad recommends blood tests, monitoring, echocardiography, or referral, the specific clinical reason will be stated. Practices are not asked to arrange investigations routinely.
Your clinician
The clinic is run by Dr Mahmood Ahmad, MRCP(UK), a Specialist in Cardiology who works in NHS cardiology. He is registered with the General Medical Council with a licence to practise.
GMC No. 6071047 — Check the GMC Register
This is an independent clinic and is not an NHS service. It does not replace your patient’s GP or NHS care. A letter is sent to the patient’s GP after every consultation.