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
Is any of this happening now?
Call 911
Call emergency services if you have a murmur or possible heart condition along with:
Severe trouble breathing or breathlessness at rest
Chest pain that is severe, persistent, or accompanied by sweating
Fainting with ongoing weakness, confusion, or breathing difficulty
Blue or grey lips, skin, or tongue
Sudden facial weakness, arm weakness, or difficulty 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
Is any of this happening?
Be seen today
Seek same-day medical care for a newly identified murmur accompanied by fever, chills, rapidly worsening breathlessness, fainting, or a marked decline in how well you can function.
A baby needs urgent assessment for fast or difficult breathing, blue or grey colouring, extreme sleepiness, or difficulty feeding.
And for anyone, someone who:
is getting rapidly more short of breath, or has gained several pounds in a few days with swelling
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Book a routine appointment if a murmur has recently been found and no follow-up plan was given.
You should also arrange review if a known murmur is accompanied by new fatigue, palpitations, ankle swelling, breathlessness, chest discomfort, or reduced exercise tolerance.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Heart murmurs. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.