BC Inherited Arrhythmia Program (BCIAP)

The BC Inherited Arrhythmia Program (BCIAP) is a provincial program that combines the expertise of specialists in both adult and pediatric cardiology along with medical genetics, to identify, screen and manage patients and families affected by an inherited heart rhythm condition. These conditions may be present in patients who have no symptoms, or lead to sudden fainting spells. In a small number of people, these conditions can cause a sudden cardiac arrest (a condition where the heart stops beating suddenly) and/or sudden cardiac death.  Early diagnosis and effective treatment in those who are at risk can be life saving.  Inherited heart rhythm conditions affect approximately 7000 British Columbians.

Patients referred to the BCIAP will:

  1. Undergo relevant heart screening tests such as an electrocardiogram, exercise stress test and echocardiogram
  2. Meet with a team of health care providers including a heart rhythm specialist, genetic counsellor and nurse
  3. Receive a complete clinical evaluation including: a review of their personal and family heart history, discussion of medical management options, genetic counselling, education and support
  4. Be offered the option to meet with the BC Inherited Arrhythmia research team to discuss enrollment in research registries. 

Who can be referred?
Health care providers (specialists and family doctors) can refer the following patients and/or families to either of the program’s clinical sites: 

  • Patients with a suspected or known diagnosis of an inherited heart rhythm condition  (Long QT syndrome, Brugada syndrome, Catecholaminergic Polymorphic Ventricular Tachycardia and Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy)
  • Patients with a personal history of unexplained sudden cardiac arrest
  • First degree relatives of the above
  • Individuals with a family history of sudden unexplained death, (those with a negative autopsy), or sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)

BCIAP Clinic Sites:

St. Paul’s Hospital

Clinics are held twice a month.  Pediatric heart rhythm specialists from BC Children’s Hospital attend one half day clinic per month to accommodate adults and children in a family. Pediatric appointments may also be coordinated at the BC Children’s Hospital. Some patients have their initial assessment at Vancouver General Hospital. 

Contact information:
211-1033 Davie St. 
Vancouver, BC V6E 1M7 
Phone: 604-682-2344 ext. 66766 
Fax: 604-806-9474 
Referral form

Royal Jubilee Hospital/Victoria General Hospital (also covers Northern Outreach) 

Clinics are held every three weeks. The pediatric heart rhythm specialists attend clinics every three to four months.

Contact information:
1 Hospital Way, 
Victoria, BC Victoria, BC V8Z 6R5 
Tel: (250) 727-4461 
Fax: (250) 727-4295 

Referral form

Outreach Clinics: Wrinch Memorial Hospital (Hazelton, BC) and Nisga’a Health Centre (Terrace, BC).