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Warning-sign checks

Cardiac arrest: 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

    Call emergency services for collapse, unresponsiveness, abnormal breathing, severe or persistent chest pressure, or symptoms suggesting another cardiac arrest.

    Do not drive an unresponsive or severely ill person to the hospital.

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • 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

    New fainting, recurrent palpitations, increasing shortness of breath, or chest discomfort deserves prompt medical advice.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Follow-up care is usually coordinated by cardiology and primary care.

    An electrophysiologist, a cardiologist who specializes in heart rhythms, may also be involved.

    Neurology, rehabilitation, genetics, and mental health services may be recommended based on the person's needs.

    Routine follow-up may include reviewing test results, checking heart function, monitoring symptoms, and adjusting treatment for coronary disease, heart failure, or rhythm disorders.

    People with an ICD need scheduled device checks.

    Cardiac rehabilitation may provide supervised activity, education, and support after recovery.

The article also says

A person should take medicines only as directed and should not stop a heart or rhythm medicine without speaking with the prescribing clinician.

Return to driving, work, sports, and strenuous activity should be discussed with the care team because timing depends on the cause, recovery, and local rules.

Relatives may be offered heart testing or genetic counseling when an inherited disorder is suspected.

Family members and caregivers can also learn CPR and where to find nearby AEDs.

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