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Warning-sign checks

Aortic stenosis: 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:

    • Severe or persistent chest pain
    • Fainting, especially with chest discomfort or breathlessness
    • Severe trouble breathing at rest
    • Sudden weakness, facial drooping, speech difficulty, or other possible stroke symptoms
    • Collapse or unresponsiveness

    Less severe but new symptoms usually call for prompt medical advice rather than emergency care.

    A cardiology team can help determine whether testing or an earlier visit is needed.

    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 clinician promptly if exercise tolerance decreases or if new shortness of breath, chest pressure, dizziness, fainting, swelling, or unusual fatigue develops.

    Do not wait for the next routine appointment to report a meaningful change.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Aortic stenosis requires ongoing follow-up because it can progress without obvious symptoms.

    Routine visits may include a symptom review, physical examination, and repeat echocardiograms.

    Keeping scheduled appointments is important even when daily activities feel normal.

    After valve replacement, follow-up checks the new valve, heart function, incision or catheter site, and any medicines.

    Patients should tell dentists and other healthcare professionals about a replacement valve.

    A valve identification card can help provide accurate information during future care.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Aortic stenosis. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.