AMA Criteria for Permanent Impairment Associated with a Cardiac Arrhythmia

Evidence for Cardiac Arrhythmia

Symptoms

Response to Therapy

Impair-ment of the Whole Person

documented by ECG or has had an isolated syncopal episode; no evidence of >= 3 ectopic beats or periods of asystole > 1.5 seconds; both atrial and ventricular rates are between 50-100 beats/minute

none during ordinary activities; no evidence of organic heart disease

none required

0 - 9%

documented by ECG or has had an isolated syncopal episode

evidence of organic heart disease; no symptoms during ordinary activities

controlled by therapy (drug, diet and/or pacemaker)

10 – 29%

documented by ECG

infrequent palpitations and/or episodes of lightheadedness, presyncope or temporary inadequate cardiac output

symptoms partially responsive to therapy (drugs, diet, and/or pacemaker)

30 – 49%

constant and documented by ECG

episodes of syncope; functional Class 3 or 4;

symptoms present despite maximal therapy

50 – 100%