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Warning-sign checks

Angioplasty and stent placement - peripheral arteries: 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 help for:

    • Bleeding that does not stop after firm pressure
    • A rapidly expanding or very painful swelling
    • A limb that suddenly becomes cold, pale, blue, numb or weak
    • Sudden severe limb pain
    • Chest pain, severe shortness of breath or fainting
    • Sudden facial drooping, speech difficulty or one-sided weakness
    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 is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • 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

    Contact the treating team promptly for increasing redness, warmth or drainage at the puncture site; fever; worsening pain; a growing lump; new difficulty walking; returning symptoms; or a worsening wound.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Routine bruising and mild tenderness are different from these warning signs.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Angioplasty and stent placement - peripheral arteries. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.