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Warning-sign checks

Acute arterial occlusion - kidney: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Seek emergency care for vomiting or coughing up blood, black or bloody stools, a severe unexplained headache, fainting, or bleeding that does not stop.

    Call emergency services for stroke symptoms, chest pain, severe breathing difficulty, fainting, or a suddenly cold, painful, or weak limb.

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Seek urgent care for new flank or abdominal pain, visible blood in the urine, a major decrease in urine output, or rapidly worsening blood pressure.

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • has a wound that is hot, spreading red, or leaking pus
  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Follow-up after discharge is important for monitoring kidney function, blood pressure, treatment safety, and the cause of the blockage.

    Care may involve a primary care clinician, kidney specialist, cardiologist, vascular specialist, or anticoagulation service.

    Follow-up commonly includes blood pressure checks and blood tests for creatinine and electrolytes.

    Urine tests may look for blood or protein.

    Imaging may be recommended after a procedure, if symptoms continue, or if the renal artery needs reassessment.

The article also says

Take anticoagulants and other medicines exactly as directed.

Do not stop an anticoagulant without speaking to the prescriber, because this may increase the risk of another clot.

Before taking nonprescription medicines or supplements, ask whether they could increase bleeding or affect kidney function.

Report unusual bruising or bleeding.

Long-term care may address smoking, cholesterol, diabetes, physical activity, and blood pressure.

These measures cannot reverse an infarction but may reduce future cardiovascular risk.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Acute arterial occlusion - kidney. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.