sofidexFor patientsAre you a clinician? Clinical site
Ask Sofi
Listen
Patient SupportEmergencies & Reporting
Log inSign up

Warning-sign checks

Hypertensive heart disease: 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:

    • Chest pain, pressure, or tightness that is severe, persistent, or new
    • Severe difficulty breathing
    • Fainting or sudden collapse
    • Sudden facial drooping, arm weakness, or trouble speaking
    • A blood pressure above 180/120 mmHg with chest pain, breathlessness, confusion, weakness, vision change, or another new neurological symptom

    These symptoms can indicate a heart attack, stroke, or hypertensive emergency.

    Do not drive yourself if you feel severely unwell.

    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

    Seek prompt medical advice if your blood pressure is above 180/120 mmHg after repeating the measurement correctly, even without symptoms.

    A healthcare service can advise how quickly you need assessment.

    Do not take extra medicine unless this is part of a plan already given to you.

    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

    Arrange a routine appointment if your blood pressure readings are repeatedly above the target set for you, even if you feel well.

    You should also arrange review for gradually increasing breathlessness, ankle swelling, fatigue, palpitations, or reduced exercise ability.

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