Download Patients referred to the BCIAP will: Who can be referred?

The BC Inherited Arrhythmia Program (BCIAP) is a provincial program which combines the
expertise of specialists in both adult and pediatric cardiology along with medical genetics, to identify,
screen and manage patients and families affected by an inherited heart rhythm condition. These
conditions cause or predispose to palpitations, sudden fainting spells and sometimes, no symptoms at
all. In a small number of people, these conditions can cause a sudden cardiac arrest (a condition where
the heart stops beating suddenly) and/or sudden cardiac death. Early diagnosis and effective treatment
in those who are at risk can be life saving. Inherited heart rhythm conditions affect approximately 7000
British Columbians.
Patients referred to the BCIAP will:
1. Undergo relevant heart screening tests such as an electrocardiogram, exercise stress test and/or
echocardiogram
2. Meet with a team of health care providers including a heart rhythm specialist, genetic
counsellor and nurse
3. Receive a complete clinical evaluation including: a review of their personal and family heart
history, discussion of medical management options, genetic counselling, education and support
4. Be offered the option to meet with the BC Inherited Arrhythmia research team to discuss the
option of enrollment in research registries.
Who can be referred?
Health care providers (specialists and family doctors) can refer the following patients and/or families to
either of the program’s clinical sites:
Patients with a suspected or known diagnosis of an inherited heart rhythm condition (Long QT
syndrome, Brugada syndrome, Catecholaminergic Polymorphic Ventricular Tachycardia and
Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy)
Patients with a personal history of unexplained sudden cardiac arrest
First degree relatives of the above
Individuals with a family history of sudden unexplained death, (those with a negative autopsy), or
sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)
BCIAP Clinic Sites:
Royal Jubilee Hospital/Victoria General Hospital (also covers Northern Outreach)
Clinics are held every three weeks. The pediatric heart rhythm specialists attend clinics every three to
four months.
Contact information:
1 Hospital Way,
Victoria, BC Victoria, BC V8Z 6R5
Tel: (250) 727-4461
Fax: (250) 727-4295
Outreach Clinics: Wrinch Memorial Hospital (Hazelton, BC) and Nisga’a Health Centre (Terrace, BC).
St. Paul’s Hospital
Clinics are held twice a month. Pediatric heart rhythm specialists from BC Children’s Hospital attend one
half day clinic per month to accommodate adults and children in a family. Pediatric appointments may
also be coordinated at the BC Children’s Hospital.
Contact information:
211-1033 Davie St.
Vancouver, BC V6E 1M7
Phone: 604-682-2344 ext. 66766
Fax: 604-806-9474
Referral form