Cardiac catheterization: when to get help

1. 1

   Is any of this happening now?

   Call 911

   Seek emergency help for:

   • Bleeding that does not stop with firm pressure
   • Rapidly increasing swelling at the insertion site
   • New chest pain, severe breathlessness, or fainting
   • Sudden weakness, facial drooping, confusion, or trouble speaking
   • A hand, arm, foot, or leg that becomes cold, pale, blue, or severely painful

   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
   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
2. 2

   Is any of this happening?

   Be seen today

   Contact your healthcare team promptly for increasing tenderness, redness, warmth, drainage, or a new lump at the insertion site.

   Also call about fever, worsening bruising, new hand or leg numbness, or pain that is not controlled as instructed.

   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these

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