What criteria should I use to determine whether to refer a patient with atrial flutter to a cardiologist?

Guideline-aligned answer with reasoning, red flags and references. Clinically reviewed by Dr Kola Tytler MBBS CertHE MBA MRCGP.

Posted: 16 August 2025Updated: 16 August 2025 Guideline-Aligned (High Confidence) Clinically Reviewed
Dr Kola Tytler MBBS CertHE MBA MRCGPClinical Lead • iatroX

Refer a patient with atrial flutter to a cardiologist routinely. Atrial flutter is specifically listed as a condition warranting cardiology referral regardless of other factors.

Urgent referral or hospital admission should be considered if the patient with atrial flutter is haemodynamically unstable, has severe symptoms, or if there are features suggestive of serious underlying cardiac disease or complications. These include symptoms such as chest pain, syncope, near syncope, or evidence of high degree atrioventricular block on ECG.

Referral urgency depends on clinical judgement and the presence of complications or haemodynamic instability.

Educational content only. Always verify information and use clinical judgement.