New guidelines will help clinicians decide whether a patient suffering blackouts or fainting episodes has a serious underlying condition, experts say today.
The guidance says that clinicians should use a 12-lead electrocardiogram during initial assessment of the patient.
It calls on doctors to take a detailed history of patients who suffer blackouts – including the interviewing of witnesses to fainting episodes.
And it sets out "red flags" which should mean urgent referral to a specialist team for assessment of heart disease risks. These include breathlessness, fainting during exertion and a history of heart disorder – and should mean the patient is seen within 24 hours.
The guidance is being published by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence.
Nick Baillie, from NICE, said: "People often do not feel they need to seek help if they have fainted or had a blackout especially if they feel fine afterwards.
"However blackouts can be the sign of a more serious underlying condition, such as a heart disorder.
"This new quality standard sets out how healthcare professionals should assess any person who is suspected of having a transient loss of consciousness and which tests to use to correctly assess their condition and offer appropriate treatment.”
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