Atrial Fibrillation and Atrial Flutter G011

Current RMA Instruments
Reasonable Hypothesis SOP
1 of 2023
Balance of Probabilities SOP
2 of 2023
Changes from previous Instruments

ICD Coding
  • ICD-10-AM Code: I48
Brief description

This SOP covers two related types of disturbance of the electrical rhythm of the heart (arrhythmia).  Atrial fibrillation is characterised by rapid, irregular, disorganised atrial contractions.  In atrial flutter the atrial contractions are regular but rapid and inefficient.  Both may be paroxysmal (intermittent) or persistent.  Atrial fibrillation may convert to atrial flutter and vice versa.

Confirming the diagnosis

This diagnosis is made on the basis of findings on electrocardiography (ECG).

The relevant medical specialist is a cardiologist.

Additional diagnoses that are covered by this SOP
  • AF [Atrial Fibrillation]
Conditions excluded from SOP
  • PAT [paroxysmal atrial tachycardia]
  • Ventricular dysrhythmias.
Clinical onset

Once the diagnosis has been confirmed by ECG it may be possible to back date onset to when relevant symptoms (particularly palpitations) first started.  Other symptoms that may be due to AF are non-specific and generally won't allow a clinical onset to be established.

Clinical worsening

The natural history of intermittent (paroxysmal) atrial fibrillation is for episodes to continue with a variable frequency and for progression to permanent AF to occur in a proportion of subjects.  In some cases the AF may resolve with treatment of an underlying cause.  It is difficult to envisage how permanent AF can be worsened per se.  The development of consequences such as a CVA (cerebrovascular accident) represents the onset of a new disease/injury rather than worsening of AF. 

 

Source URL: https://clik.dva.gov.au/ccps-medical-research-library/statements-principles/b/atrial-fibrillation-and-atrial-flutter-g011-i48

Last amended

Factors in CCPS as at 16 July 2003 (G011)

Current RMA Instruments
Reasonable Hypothesis SOP
1 of 2023
Balance of Probabilities SOP
2 of 2023
Changes from previous Instruments

ICD Coding
  • ICD-10-AM Code: I48
Brief description

This SOP covers two related types of disturbance of the electrical rhythm of the heart (arrhythmia).  Atrial fibrillation is characterised by rapid, irregular, disorganised atrial contractions.  In atrial flutter the atrial contractions are regular but rapid and inefficient.  Both may be paroxysmal (intermittent) or persistent.  Atrial fibrillation may convert to atrial flutter and vice versa.

Confirming the diagnosis

This diagnosis is made on the basis of findings on electrocardiography (ECG).

The relevant medical specialist is a cardiologist.

Additional diagnoses that are covered by this SOP
  • AF [Atrial Fibrillation]
Conditions excluded from SOP
  • PAT [paroxysmal atrial tachycardia]
  • Ventricular dysrhythmias.
Clinical onset

Once the diagnosis has been confirmed by ECG it may be possible to back date onset to when relevant symptoms (particularly palpitations) first started.  Other symptoms that may be due to AF are non-specific and generally won't allow a clinical onset to be established.

Clinical worsening

The natural history of intermittent (paroxysmal) atrial fibrillation is for episodes to continue with a variable frequency and for progression to permanent AF to occur in a proportion of subjects.  In some cases the AF may resolve with treatment of an underlying cause.  It is difficult to envisage how permanent AF can be worsened per se.  The development of consequences such as a CVA (cerebrovascular accident) represents the onset of a new disease/injury rather than worsening of AF. 

 

Source URL: https://clik.dva.gov.au/ccps-medical-research-library/alphabetic-index-statements-principles/b/atrial-fibrillation-and-atrial-flutter-g011/factors-ccps-16-july-2003-g011

Last amended

Alcohol consumption

Current RMA Instruments
Reasonable Hypothesis SOP
1 of 2023
Balance of Probabilities SOP
2 of 2023
Changes from previous Instruments

ICD Coding
  • ICD-10-AM Code: I48
Brief description

This SOP covers two related types of disturbance of the electrical rhythm of the heart (arrhythmia).  Atrial fibrillation is characterised by rapid, irregular, disorganised atrial contractions.  In atrial flutter the atrial contractions are regular but rapid and inefficient.  Both may be paroxysmal (intermittent) or persistent.  Atrial fibrillation may convert to atrial flutter and vice versa.

Confirming the diagnosis

This diagnosis is made on the basis of findings on electrocardiography (ECG).

The relevant medical specialist is a cardiologist.

Additional diagnoses that are covered by this SOP
  • AF [Atrial Fibrillation]
Conditions excluded from SOP
  • PAT [paroxysmal atrial tachycardia]
  • Ventricular dysrhythmias.
Clinical onset

Once the diagnosis has been confirmed by ECG it may be possible to back date onset to when relevant symptoms (particularly palpitations) first started.  Other symptoms that may be due to AF are non-specific and generally won't allow a clinical onset to be established.

Clinical worsening

The natural history of intermittent (paroxysmal) atrial fibrillation is for episodes to continue with a variable frequency and for progression to permanent AF to occur in a proportion of subjects.  In some cases the AF may resolve with treatment of an underlying cause.  It is difficult to envisage how permanent AF can be worsened per se.  The development of consequences such as a CVA (cerebrovascular accident) represents the onset of a new disease/injury rather than worsening of AF. 

 

Source URL: https://clik.dva.gov.au/ccps-medical-research-library/alphabetic-index-statements-principles/b/atrial-fibrillation-and-atrial-flutter-g011/factors-ccps-16-july-2003-g011/alcohol-consumption

Last amended

Cardiac or thoracic surgery

Current RMA Instruments
Reasonable Hypothesis SOP
1 of 2023
Balance of Probabilities SOP
2 of 2023
Changes from previous Instruments

ICD Coding
  • ICD-10-AM Code: I48
Brief description

This SOP covers two related types of disturbance of the electrical rhythm of the heart (arrhythmia).  Atrial fibrillation is characterised by rapid, irregular, disorganised atrial contractions.  In atrial flutter the atrial contractions are regular but rapid and inefficient.  Both may be paroxysmal (intermittent) or persistent.  Atrial fibrillation may convert to atrial flutter and vice versa.

Confirming the diagnosis

This diagnosis is made on the basis of findings on electrocardiography (ECG).

The relevant medical specialist is a cardiologist.

Additional diagnoses that are covered by this SOP
  • AF [Atrial Fibrillation]
Conditions excluded from SOP
  • PAT [paroxysmal atrial tachycardia]
  • Ventricular dysrhythmias.
Clinical onset

Once the diagnosis has been confirmed by ECG it may be possible to back date onset to when relevant symptoms (particularly palpitations) first started.  Other symptoms that may be due to AF are non-specific and generally won't allow a clinical onset to be established.

Clinical worsening

The natural history of intermittent (paroxysmal) atrial fibrillation is for episodes to continue with a variable frequency and for progression to permanent AF to occur in a proportion of subjects.  In some cases the AF may resolve with treatment of an underlying cause.  It is difficult to envisage how permanent AF can be worsened per se.  The development of consequences such as a CVA (cerebrovascular accident) represents the onset of a new disease/injury rather than worsening of AF. 

 

Source URL: https://clik.dva.gov.au/ccps-medical-research-library/alphabetic-index-statements-principles/b/atrial-fibrillation-and-atrial-flutter-g011/factors-ccps-16-july-2003-g011/cardiac-or-thoracic-surgery

Last amended

Cardiomyopathy

Current RMA Instruments
Reasonable Hypothesis SOP
1 of 2023
Balance of Probabilities SOP
2 of 2023
Changes from previous Instruments

ICD Coding
  • ICD-10-AM Code: I48
Brief description

This SOP covers two related types of disturbance of the electrical rhythm of the heart (arrhythmia).  Atrial fibrillation is characterised by rapid, irregular, disorganised atrial contractions.  In atrial flutter the atrial contractions are regular but rapid and inefficient.  Both may be paroxysmal (intermittent) or persistent.  Atrial fibrillation may convert to atrial flutter and vice versa.

Confirming the diagnosis

This diagnosis is made on the basis of findings on electrocardiography (ECG).

The relevant medical specialist is a cardiologist.

Additional diagnoses that are covered by this SOP
  • AF [Atrial Fibrillation]
Conditions excluded from SOP
  • PAT [paroxysmal atrial tachycardia]
  • Ventricular dysrhythmias.
Clinical onset

Once the diagnosis has been confirmed by ECG it may be possible to back date onset to when relevant symptoms (particularly palpitations) first started.  Other symptoms that may be due to AF are non-specific and generally won't allow a clinical onset to be established.

Clinical worsening

The natural history of intermittent (paroxysmal) atrial fibrillation is for episodes to continue with a variable frequency and for progression to permanent AF to occur in a proportion of subjects.  In some cases the AF may resolve with treatment of an underlying cause.  It is difficult to envisage how permanent AF can be worsened per se.  The development of consequences such as a CVA (cerebrovascular accident) represents the onset of a new disease/injury rather than worsening of AF. 

 

Source URL: https://clik.dva.gov.au/ccps-medical-research-library/alphabetic-index-statements-principles/b/atrial-fibrillation-and-atrial-flutter-g011/factors-ccps-16-july-2003-g011/cardiomyopathy

Last amended

Chronic bronchitis with pulmonary obstruction

Current RMA Instruments
Reasonable Hypothesis SOP
1 of 2023
Balance of Probabilities SOP
2 of 2023
Changes from previous Instruments

ICD Coding
  • ICD-10-AM Code: I48
Brief description

This SOP covers two related types of disturbance of the electrical rhythm of the heart (arrhythmia).  Atrial fibrillation is characterised by rapid, irregular, disorganised atrial contractions.  In atrial flutter the atrial contractions are regular but rapid and inefficient.  Both may be paroxysmal (intermittent) or persistent.  Atrial fibrillation may convert to atrial flutter and vice versa.

Confirming the diagnosis

This diagnosis is made on the basis of findings on electrocardiography (ECG).

The relevant medical specialist is a cardiologist.

Additional diagnoses that are covered by this SOP
  • AF [Atrial Fibrillation]
Conditions excluded from SOP
  • PAT [paroxysmal atrial tachycardia]
  • Ventricular dysrhythmias.
Clinical onset

Once the diagnosis has been confirmed by ECG it may be possible to back date onset to when relevant symptoms (particularly palpitations) first started.  Other symptoms that may be due to AF are non-specific and generally won't allow a clinical onset to be established.

Clinical worsening

The natural history of intermittent (paroxysmal) atrial fibrillation is for episodes to continue with a variable frequency and for progression to permanent AF to occur in a proportion of subjects.  In some cases the AF may resolve with treatment of an underlying cause.  It is difficult to envisage how permanent AF can be worsened per se.  The development of consequences such as a CVA (cerebrovascular accident) represents the onset of a new disease/injury rather than worsening of AF. 

 

Source URL: https://clik.dva.gov.au/ccps-medical-research-library/alphabetic-index-statements-principles/b/atrial-fibrillation-and-atrial-flutter-g011/factors-ccps-16-july-2003-g011/chronic-bronchitis-pulmonary-obstruction

Last amended

Congenital heart disease

Current RMA Instruments
Reasonable Hypothesis SOP
1 of 2023
Balance of Probabilities SOP
2 of 2023
Changes from previous Instruments

ICD Coding
  • ICD-10-AM Code: I48
Brief description

This SOP covers two related types of disturbance of the electrical rhythm of the heart (arrhythmia).  Atrial fibrillation is characterised by rapid, irregular, disorganised atrial contractions.  In atrial flutter the atrial contractions are regular but rapid and inefficient.  Both may be paroxysmal (intermittent) or persistent.  Atrial fibrillation may convert to atrial flutter and vice versa.

Confirming the diagnosis

This diagnosis is made on the basis of findings on electrocardiography (ECG).

The relevant medical specialist is a cardiologist.

Additional diagnoses that are covered by this SOP
  • AF [Atrial Fibrillation]
Conditions excluded from SOP
  • PAT [paroxysmal atrial tachycardia]
  • Ventricular dysrhythmias.
Clinical onset

Once the diagnosis has been confirmed by ECG it may be possible to back date onset to when relevant symptoms (particularly palpitations) first started.  Other symptoms that may be due to AF are non-specific and generally won't allow a clinical onset to be established.

Clinical worsening

The natural history of intermittent (paroxysmal) atrial fibrillation is for episodes to continue with a variable frequency and for progression to permanent AF to occur in a proportion of subjects.  In some cases the AF may resolve with treatment of an underlying cause.  It is difficult to envisage how permanent AF can be worsened per se.  The development of consequences such as a CVA (cerebrovascular accident) represents the onset of a new disease/injury rather than worsening of AF. 

 

Source URL: https://clik.dva.gov.au/ccps-medical-research-library/alphabetic-index-statements-principles/b/atrial-fibrillation-and-atrial-flutter-g011/factors-ccps-16-july-2003-g011/congenital-heart-disease

Last amended

Congestive cardiac failure

Current RMA Instruments
Reasonable Hypothesis SOP
1 of 2023
Balance of Probabilities SOP
2 of 2023
Changes from previous Instruments

ICD Coding
  • ICD-10-AM Code: I48
Brief description

This SOP covers two related types of disturbance of the electrical rhythm of the heart (arrhythmia).  Atrial fibrillation is characterised by rapid, irregular, disorganised atrial contractions.  In atrial flutter the atrial contractions are regular but rapid and inefficient.  Both may be paroxysmal (intermittent) or persistent.  Atrial fibrillation may convert to atrial flutter and vice versa.

Confirming the diagnosis

This diagnosis is made on the basis of findings on electrocardiography (ECG).

The relevant medical specialist is a cardiologist.

Additional diagnoses that are covered by this SOP
  • AF [Atrial Fibrillation]
Conditions excluded from SOP
  • PAT [paroxysmal atrial tachycardia]
  • Ventricular dysrhythmias.
Clinical onset

Once the diagnosis has been confirmed by ECG it may be possible to back date onset to when relevant symptoms (particularly palpitations) first started.  Other symptoms that may be due to AF are non-specific and generally won't allow a clinical onset to be established.

Clinical worsening

The natural history of intermittent (paroxysmal) atrial fibrillation is for episodes to continue with a variable frequency and for progression to permanent AF to occur in a proportion of subjects.  In some cases the AF may resolve with treatment of an underlying cause.  It is difficult to envisage how permanent AF can be worsened per se.  The development of consequences such as a CVA (cerebrovascular accident) represents the onset of a new disease/injury rather than worsening of AF. 

 

Source URL: https://clik.dva.gov.au/ccps-medical-research-library/alphabetic-index-statements-principles/b/atrial-fibrillation-and-atrial-flutter-g011/factors-ccps-16-july-2003-g011/congestive-cardiac-failure

Last amended

Emphysema

Current RMA Instruments
Reasonable Hypothesis SOP
1 of 2023
Balance of Probabilities SOP
2 of 2023
Changes from previous Instruments

ICD Coding
  • ICD-10-AM Code: I48
Brief description

This SOP covers two related types of disturbance of the electrical rhythm of the heart (arrhythmia).  Atrial fibrillation is characterised by rapid, irregular, disorganised atrial contractions.  In atrial flutter the atrial contractions are regular but rapid and inefficient.  Both may be paroxysmal (intermittent) or persistent.  Atrial fibrillation may convert to atrial flutter and vice versa.

Confirming the diagnosis

This diagnosis is made on the basis of findings on electrocardiography (ECG).

The relevant medical specialist is a cardiologist.

Additional diagnoses that are covered by this SOP
  • AF [Atrial Fibrillation]
Conditions excluded from SOP
  • PAT [paroxysmal atrial tachycardia]
  • Ventricular dysrhythmias.
Clinical onset

Once the diagnosis has been confirmed by ECG it may be possible to back date onset to when relevant symptoms (particularly palpitations) first started.  Other symptoms that may be due to AF are non-specific and generally won't allow a clinical onset to be established.

Clinical worsening

The natural history of intermittent (paroxysmal) atrial fibrillation is for episodes to continue with a variable frequency and for progression to permanent AF to occur in a proportion of subjects.  In some cases the AF may resolve with treatment of an underlying cause.  It is difficult to envisage how permanent AF can be worsened per se.  The development of consequences such as a CVA (cerebrovascular accident) represents the onset of a new disease/injury rather than worsening of AF. 

 

Source URL: https://clik.dva.gov.au/ccps-medical-research-library/alphabetic-index-statements-principles/b/atrial-fibrillation-and-atrial-flutter-g011/factors-ccps-16-july-2003-g011/emphysema

Last amended

Hypertension

Current RMA Instruments
Reasonable Hypothesis SOP
1 of 2023
Balance of Probabilities SOP
2 of 2023
Changes from previous Instruments

ICD Coding
  • ICD-10-AM Code: I48
Brief description

This SOP covers two related types of disturbance of the electrical rhythm of the heart (arrhythmia).  Atrial fibrillation is characterised by rapid, irregular, disorganised atrial contractions.  In atrial flutter the atrial contractions are regular but rapid and inefficient.  Both may be paroxysmal (intermittent) or persistent.  Atrial fibrillation may convert to atrial flutter and vice versa.

Confirming the diagnosis

This diagnosis is made on the basis of findings on electrocardiography (ECG).

The relevant medical specialist is a cardiologist.

Additional diagnoses that are covered by this SOP
  • AF [Atrial Fibrillation]
Conditions excluded from SOP
  • PAT [paroxysmal atrial tachycardia]
  • Ventricular dysrhythmias.
Clinical onset

Once the diagnosis has been confirmed by ECG it may be possible to back date onset to when relevant symptoms (particularly palpitations) first started.  Other symptoms that may be due to AF are non-specific and generally won't allow a clinical onset to be established.

Clinical worsening

The natural history of intermittent (paroxysmal) atrial fibrillation is for episodes to continue with a variable frequency and for progression to permanent AF to occur in a proportion of subjects.  In some cases the AF may resolve with treatment of an underlying cause.  It is difficult to envisage how permanent AF can be worsened per se.  The development of consequences such as a CVA (cerebrovascular accident) represents the onset of a new disease/injury rather than worsening of AF. 

 

Source URL: https://clik.dva.gov.au/ccps-medical-research-library/alphabetic-index-statements-principles/b/atrial-fibrillation-and-atrial-flutter-g011/factors-ccps-16-july-2003-g011/hypertension

Last amended

Hyperthyroidism

Current RMA Instruments
Reasonable Hypothesis SOP
1 of 2023
Balance of Probabilities SOP
2 of 2023
Changes from previous Instruments

ICD Coding
  • ICD-10-AM Code: I48
Brief description

This SOP covers two related types of disturbance of the electrical rhythm of the heart (arrhythmia).  Atrial fibrillation is characterised by rapid, irregular, disorganised atrial contractions.  In atrial flutter the atrial contractions are regular but rapid and inefficient.  Both may be paroxysmal (intermittent) or persistent.  Atrial fibrillation may convert to atrial flutter and vice versa.

Confirming the diagnosis

This diagnosis is made on the basis of findings on electrocardiography (ECG).

The relevant medical specialist is a cardiologist.

Additional diagnoses that are covered by this SOP
  • AF [Atrial Fibrillation]
Conditions excluded from SOP
  • PAT [paroxysmal atrial tachycardia]
  • Ventricular dysrhythmias.
Clinical onset

Once the diagnosis has been confirmed by ECG it may be possible to back date onset to when relevant symptoms (particularly palpitations) first started.  Other symptoms that may be due to AF are non-specific and generally won't allow a clinical onset to be established.

Clinical worsening

The natural history of intermittent (paroxysmal) atrial fibrillation is for episodes to continue with a variable frequency and for progression to permanent AF to occur in a proportion of subjects.  In some cases the AF may resolve with treatment of an underlying cause.  It is difficult to envisage how permanent AF can be worsened per se.  The development of consequences such as a CVA (cerebrovascular accident) represents the onset of a new disease/injury rather than worsening of AF. 

 

Source URL: https://clik.dva.gov.au/ccps-medical-research-library/alphabetic-index-statements-principles/b/atrial-fibrillation-and-atrial-flutter-g011/factors-ccps-16-july-2003-g011/hyperthyroidism

Last amended

Inability to obtain appropriate clinical management for atrial fibrillation

Current RMA Instruments
Reasonable Hypothesis SOP
1 of 2023
Balance of Probabilities SOP
2 of 2023
Changes from previous Instruments

ICD Coding
  • ICD-10-AM Code: I48
Brief description

This SOP covers two related types of disturbance of the electrical rhythm of the heart (arrhythmia).  Atrial fibrillation is characterised by rapid, irregular, disorganised atrial contractions.  In atrial flutter the atrial contractions are regular but rapid and inefficient.  Both may be paroxysmal (intermittent) or persistent.  Atrial fibrillation may convert to atrial flutter and vice versa.

Confirming the diagnosis

This diagnosis is made on the basis of findings on electrocardiography (ECG).

The relevant medical specialist is a cardiologist.

Additional diagnoses that are covered by this SOP
  • AF [Atrial Fibrillation]
Conditions excluded from SOP
  • PAT [paroxysmal atrial tachycardia]
  • Ventricular dysrhythmias.
Clinical onset

Once the diagnosis has been confirmed by ECG it may be possible to back date onset to when relevant symptoms (particularly palpitations) first started.  Other symptoms that may be due to AF are non-specific and generally won't allow a clinical onset to be established.

Clinical worsening

The natural history of intermittent (paroxysmal) atrial fibrillation is for episodes to continue with a variable frequency and for progression to permanent AF to occur in a proportion of subjects.  In some cases the AF may resolve with treatment of an underlying cause.  It is difficult to envisage how permanent AF can be worsened per se.  The development of consequences such as a CVA (cerebrovascular accident) represents the onset of a new disease/injury rather than worsening of AF. 

 

Source URL: https://clik.dva.gov.au/ccps-medical-research-library/alphabetic-index-statements-principles/b/atrial-fibrillation-and-atrial-flutter-g011/factors-ccps-16-july-2003-g011/inability-obtain-appropriate-clinical-management-atrial-fibrillation

Last amended

Ischaemic heart disease

Current RMA Instruments
Reasonable Hypothesis SOP
1 of 2023
Balance of Probabilities SOP
2 of 2023
Changes from previous Instruments

ICD Coding
  • ICD-10-AM Code: I48
Brief description

This SOP covers two related types of disturbance of the electrical rhythm of the heart (arrhythmia).  Atrial fibrillation is characterised by rapid, irregular, disorganised atrial contractions.  In atrial flutter the atrial contractions are regular but rapid and inefficient.  Both may be paroxysmal (intermittent) or persistent.  Atrial fibrillation may convert to atrial flutter and vice versa.

Confirming the diagnosis

This diagnosis is made on the basis of findings on electrocardiography (ECG).

The relevant medical specialist is a cardiologist.

Additional diagnoses that are covered by this SOP
  • AF [Atrial Fibrillation]
Conditions excluded from SOP
  • PAT [paroxysmal atrial tachycardia]
  • Ventricular dysrhythmias.
Clinical onset

Once the diagnosis has been confirmed by ECG it may be possible to back date onset to when relevant symptoms (particularly palpitations) first started.  Other symptoms that may be due to AF are non-specific and generally won't allow a clinical onset to be established.

Clinical worsening

The natural history of intermittent (paroxysmal) atrial fibrillation is for episodes to continue with a variable frequency and for progression to permanent AF to occur in a proportion of subjects.  In some cases the AF may resolve with treatment of an underlying cause.  It is difficult to envisage how permanent AF can be worsened per se.  The development of consequences such as a CVA (cerebrovascular accident) represents the onset of a new disease/injury rather than worsening of AF. 

 

Source URL: https://clik.dva.gov.au/ccps-medical-research-library/alphabetic-index-statements-principles/b/atrial-fibrillation-and-atrial-flutter-g011/factors-ccps-16-july-2003-g011/ischaemic-heart-disease

Last amended

Myocarditis

Current RMA Instruments
Reasonable Hypothesis SOP
1 of 2023
Balance of Probabilities SOP
2 of 2023
Changes from previous Instruments

ICD Coding
  • ICD-10-AM Code: I48
Brief description

This SOP covers two related types of disturbance of the electrical rhythm of the heart (arrhythmia).  Atrial fibrillation is characterised by rapid, irregular, disorganised atrial contractions.  In atrial flutter the atrial contractions are regular but rapid and inefficient.  Both may be paroxysmal (intermittent) or persistent.  Atrial fibrillation may convert to atrial flutter and vice versa.

Confirming the diagnosis

This diagnosis is made on the basis of findings on electrocardiography (ECG).

The relevant medical specialist is a cardiologist.

Additional diagnoses that are covered by this SOP
  • AF [Atrial Fibrillation]
Conditions excluded from SOP
  • PAT [paroxysmal atrial tachycardia]
  • Ventricular dysrhythmias.
Clinical onset

Once the diagnosis has been confirmed by ECG it may be possible to back date onset to when relevant symptoms (particularly palpitations) first started.  Other symptoms that may be due to AF are non-specific and generally won't allow a clinical onset to be established.

Clinical worsening

The natural history of intermittent (paroxysmal) atrial fibrillation is for episodes to continue with a variable frequency and for progression to permanent AF to occur in a proportion of subjects.  In some cases the AF may resolve with treatment of an underlying cause.  It is difficult to envisage how permanent AF can be worsened per se.  The development of consequences such as a CVA (cerebrovascular accident) represents the onset of a new disease/injury rather than worsening of AF. 

 

Source URL: https://clik.dva.gov.au/ccps-medical-research-library/alphabetic-index-statements-principles/b/atrial-fibrillation-and-atrial-flutter-g011/factors-ccps-16-july-2003-g011/myocarditis

Last amended

Pericarditis

Current RMA Instruments
Reasonable Hypothesis SOP
1 of 2023
Balance of Probabilities SOP
2 of 2023
Changes from previous Instruments

ICD Coding
  • ICD-10-AM Code: I48
Brief description

This SOP covers two related types of disturbance of the electrical rhythm of the heart (arrhythmia).  Atrial fibrillation is characterised by rapid, irregular, disorganised atrial contractions.  In atrial flutter the atrial contractions are regular but rapid and inefficient.  Both may be paroxysmal (intermittent) or persistent.  Atrial fibrillation may convert to atrial flutter and vice versa.

Confirming the diagnosis

This diagnosis is made on the basis of findings on electrocardiography (ECG).

The relevant medical specialist is a cardiologist.

Additional diagnoses that are covered by this SOP
  • AF [Atrial Fibrillation]
Conditions excluded from SOP
  • PAT [paroxysmal atrial tachycardia]
  • Ventricular dysrhythmias.
Clinical onset

Once the diagnosis has been confirmed by ECG it may be possible to back date onset to when relevant symptoms (particularly palpitations) first started.  Other symptoms that may be due to AF are non-specific and generally won't allow a clinical onset to be established.

Clinical worsening

The natural history of intermittent (paroxysmal) atrial fibrillation is for episodes to continue with a variable frequency and for progression to permanent AF to occur in a proportion of subjects.  In some cases the AF may resolve with treatment of an underlying cause.  It is difficult to envisage how permanent AF can be worsened per se.  The development of consequences such as a CVA (cerebrovascular accident) represents the onset of a new disease/injury rather than worsening of AF. 

 

Source URL: https://clik.dva.gov.au/ccps-medical-research-library/alphabetic-index-statements-principles/b/atrial-fibrillation-and-atrial-flutter-g011/factors-ccps-16-july-2003-g011/pericarditis

Last amended

Strenuous physical activity

Current RMA Instruments
Reasonable Hypothesis SOP
1 of 2023
Balance of Probabilities SOP
2 of 2023
Changes from previous Instruments

ICD Coding
  • ICD-10-AM Code: I48
Brief description

This SOP covers two related types of disturbance of the electrical rhythm of the heart (arrhythmia).  Atrial fibrillation is characterised by rapid, irregular, disorganised atrial contractions.  In atrial flutter the atrial contractions are regular but rapid and inefficient.  Both may be paroxysmal (intermittent) or persistent.  Atrial fibrillation may convert to atrial flutter and vice versa.

Confirming the diagnosis

This diagnosis is made on the basis of findings on electrocardiography (ECG).

The relevant medical specialist is a cardiologist.

Additional diagnoses that are covered by this SOP
  • AF [Atrial Fibrillation]
Conditions excluded from SOP
  • PAT [paroxysmal atrial tachycardia]
  • Ventricular dysrhythmias.
Clinical onset

Once the diagnosis has been confirmed by ECG it may be possible to back date onset to when relevant symptoms (particularly palpitations) first started.  Other symptoms that may be due to AF are non-specific and generally won't allow a clinical onset to be established.

Clinical worsening

The natural history of intermittent (paroxysmal) atrial fibrillation is for episodes to continue with a variable frequency and for progression to permanent AF to occur in a proportion of subjects.  In some cases the AF may resolve with treatment of an underlying cause.  It is difficult to envisage how permanent AF can be worsened per se.  The development of consequences such as a CVA (cerebrovascular accident) represents the onset of a new disease/injury rather than worsening of AF. 

 

Source URL: https://clik.dva.gov.au/ccps-medical-research-library/alphabetic-index-statements-principles/b/atrial-fibrillation-and-atrial-flutter-g011/factors-ccps-16-july-2003-g011/strenuous-physical-activity

Last amended

Valvular heart disease

Current RMA Instruments
Reasonable Hypothesis SOP
1 of 2023
Balance of Probabilities SOP
2 of 2023
Changes from previous Instruments

ICD Coding
  • ICD-10-AM Code: I48
Brief description

This SOP covers two related types of disturbance of the electrical rhythm of the heart (arrhythmia).  Atrial fibrillation is characterised by rapid, irregular, disorganised atrial contractions.  In atrial flutter the atrial contractions are regular but rapid and inefficient.  Both may be paroxysmal (intermittent) or persistent.  Atrial fibrillation may convert to atrial flutter and vice versa.

Confirming the diagnosis

This diagnosis is made on the basis of findings on electrocardiography (ECG).

The relevant medical specialist is a cardiologist.

Additional diagnoses that are covered by this SOP
  • AF [Atrial Fibrillation]
Conditions excluded from SOP
  • PAT [paroxysmal atrial tachycardia]
  • Ventricular dysrhythmias.
Clinical onset

Once the diagnosis has been confirmed by ECG it may be possible to back date onset to when relevant symptoms (particularly palpitations) first started.  Other symptoms that may be due to AF are non-specific and generally won't allow a clinical onset to be established.

Clinical worsening

The natural history of intermittent (paroxysmal) atrial fibrillation is for episodes to continue with a variable frequency and for progression to permanent AF to occur in a proportion of subjects.  In some cases the AF may resolve with treatment of an underlying cause.  It is difficult to envisage how permanent AF can be worsened per se.  The development of consequences such as a CVA (cerebrovascular accident) represents the onset of a new disease/injury rather than worsening of AF. 

 

Source URL: https://clik.dva.gov.au/ccps-medical-research-library/alphabetic-index-statements-principles/b/atrial-fibrillation-and-atrial-flutter-g011/factors-ccps-16-july-2003-g011/valvular-heart-disease

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