RACPCs offer one-stop assessment clinic for patients who are experiencing new onset chest pain suggestive of stable angina, or increasing frequency or severity of symptoms of angina. The aim of such clinics is to quickly identify those patients at risk of an adverse cardiac event. Clinics are carried out by a specialist cardiology nurse or a member of the medical team who will determine/deliver appropriate tests to assist in diagnosis. In most cases an Exercise Tolerance Test (ETT) will be carried out in the clinic. This will normally take place in secondary care in a cardiology out patient setting.
There is no strong evidence to suggest that RACPC reduce admissions to hospital of patents with non-cardiac pain. However there is more positive evidence of earlier recognition of Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) and there is good evidence suggesting earlier specialist assessment leading to earlier diagnosis.
Pulse point
RACPC may vary from area to area but will assess patients referred using similar approaches in order to reach a diagnosis.
Page last reviewed: 03 Jun 2020
