Calorics and heart arrhythmias

[GEM]

Calorics are contraindicated if a patient has a cardiac problem. Does anyone know if this includes abnormal heart rhythms?

[Guy]

Calorics are contraindicated if a patient has a cardiac problem. Does anyone know if this includes abnormal heart rhythms?

This may very from one country to the next (remember this is an international forum) but the latest BSA (British) recommendations state that for patients with a history of cardiac problems (including arrhythmias) the caloric test is usually inappropriate.
I read this to mean unstable or severe problems. If the patient has mild to moderate cardiac problems, is appropriately medicated and the referring clinician has referred the patient in the knowledge of this condition it should be okay to go ahead (if in doubt check) but use your common sense too - if the patient appears unwell, breathless etc then abandon the procedure regardless of prior medical instructions - or insist the referring medic is in the room when you do the test.
I suspect the data on this subject is scarce but better to be safe than sorry.

[GEM]

That is great. Thanks Guy

[GEM]

Can I assume that cardiac problems would include all heart valve replacements?

thanks

[Guy]

Yes but check with the referring clinician. I'd be more concerned if there had been recent cardiac surgery but the clinician may be happy if everything is stable.

[GEM]

Thanks for your reply Guy