OpenPalp is a rapid low-risk palpitations pathway for patients who do not need urgent cardiology referral but may benefit from ECG and short-term rhythm capture.
We are happy for GPs to signpost suitable low-risk palpitations patients to OpenPalp.
Patients self-refer and choose whether to proceed with private rhythm monitoring if it is clinically appropriate.
What to expect
- Free patient appointment and 12-lead ECG for suitable low-risk palpitations patients.
- One-week Kardia rhythm monitoring only if clinically appropriate — £70, with no obligation to proceed.
- A clear written summary sent back to you (with patient consent), including any ECG or Kardia findings of clinical significance.
- Red-flag patients are excluded at the suitability screen and directed to the appropriate NHS or urgent-care route.
OpenPalp is not a chest pain, syncope, emergency, or full cardiology service. It is a focused pathway for low-risk palpitations only.
Inclusion criteria
- Intermittent palpitations
- Clinically stable
- No current chest pain
- No syncope or collapse
- No severe breathlessness
- No acute illness
- Able to use Kardia / smartphone rhythm capture
- Willing to receive a summary and share it with their GP
Exclusion criteria — red flags
OpenPalp is not suitable for patients with any of the following:
- Chest pain
- Fainting or syncope
- Severe breathlessness
- Palpitations with collapse
- Known high-risk arrhythmia
- A very fast, ongoing heart rhythm
- New neurological symptoms
- Acutely unwell patients
- Patients needing emergency assessment
- Patients requiring a full cardiology consultation
How significant findings are handled
Every patient is assessed at the initial appointment to confirm suitability. Significant findings — for example atrial fibrillation or flutter, SVT, significant pauses, a high ectopy burden, or an abnormal baseline ECG — are escalated promptly to NHS cardiology, and the patient is advised directly. Where a structural cause is suspected, referral for echocardiography and specialist assessment is arranged (echocardiography is not performed at this clinic).
Load on your practice
Most suitable low-risk patients will not require further GP action. Where Dr Ahmad recommends blood tests, monitoring, echocardiography, or referral, the specific clinical reason will be stated. Practices are not asked to arrange investigations routinely.
Your clinician
OpenPalp is delivered by Dr Mahmood Ahmad, an NHS cardiology specialist doctor experienced in assessing palpitations, and trusted by local GPs who refer patients. He works in senior cardiology roles in NHS teaching hospitals in London, is fully GMC-registered with a licence to practise, and holds MRCP(UK) (GMC 6071047). He practises as a specialist doctor in cardiology within the NHS and is not a CCT-holding Consultant on the GMC Specialist Register.
Refer or discuss a patient
No formal referral is required — patients self-refer. To refer directly or discuss suitability, email drmahmoodclinic@pm.me with a brief clinical summary.
Patient booking & screening