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Warning-sign checks

Heart attack: 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 your local emergency number immediately if you develop possible heart attack symptoms, especially chest pressure, squeezing, or heaviness that lasts more than a few minutes or returns.

    Call even if the discomfort is mild or you are unsure.

    Emergency medical teams can assess you, begin treatment, and respond if your condition changes.

    If you have prescribed nitroglycerin, use it as you were instructed, but do not let this delay the emergency call.

    An emergency dispatcher may advise you about aspirin.

    If someone collapses, is unresponsive, and is not breathing normally, call emergency services.

    Begin CPR if you can and use an automated external defibrillator, or AED, if one is available.

    Call emergency services rather than waiting for a routine appointment.

    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

    After a heart attack, recurrent chest discomfort, sudden breathlessness, fainting, or a new fast or irregular heartbeat also need urgent assessment.

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • is getting rapidly more short of breath, or has gained several pounds in a few days with swelling

The article also says

Do not drive yourself to hospital.

For non-emergency concerns, contact your usual healthcare team.

Examples include gradually increasing ankle swelling, ongoing tiredness, low mood, possible medicine side effects, or questions about returning to work and activity.

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