Referrals
Syncope referral checklist
Baseline investigations, red flags, and referral note elements for syncope.
Last reviewed 2026-01-05|syncope | cardio | workup
Jump to
Minimum pre-referral workup
- Detailed event description, prodrome, and recovery.
- Orthostatic vital signs and cardiovascular exam.
- Resting ECG with interpretation.
- Review medications and recent changes.
- Point-of-care glucose and basic labs if indicated.
Urgency tier
- Syncope during exertion or while supine.
- Chest pain, palpitations, or family history of sudden death.
- Abnormal ECG or known structural heart disease.
- Significant injury or prolonged altered consciousness.
- Persistent neurologic deficits after the event.
Referral packet checklist
- Circumstances, triggers, and witness account.
- Orthostatic measurements and ECG findings.
- Medication list, substance use, and comorbidities.
- Prior episodes or known arrhythmias.
- Any ED visits or investigations already completed.
Pre-referral optimization tasks
- Address reversible contributors such as dehydration or medication effects where appropriate.
- Provide safety advice on activity and driving restrictions per local guidance when needed.
- Reinforce return precautions for recurrent syncope, chest pain, or new neurologic deficits.