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Warning-sign checks

Heart attack first aid: 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 now for new or returning chest pressure, tightness, or pain; discomfort spreading to the arm, jaw, neck, back, or abdomen; severe shortness of breath; collapse; or unresponsiveness.

    After discharge, seek emergency help for symptoms your discharge plan identifies as an emergency, especially recurring chest discomfort, fainting, severe breathing difficulty, or signs of stroke such as facial drooping, arm weakness, or trouble speaking.

    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

    Contact your healthcare team promptly about worsening medicine side effects, increasing swelling, problems at a catheter or surgical wound, or difficulty following your treatment plan.

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • is getting rapidly more short of breath, or has gained several pounds in a few days with swelling
  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Do not use a routine message service.

    Routine follow-up is used to review medicines, recovery, driving, work, physical activity, and cardiac rehabilitation.

    Keep these appointments even when you feel well.

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