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:
Sudden or severe difficulty breathing
Chest pressure or pain that does not quickly settle
Fainting with breathlessness, chest pain, or a rapid heartbeat
Pink, frothy sputum or a feeling of drowning when breathing
Sudden facial drooping, arm weakness, speech difficulty, or other stroke signs
These symptoms have several possible causes.
Emergency assessment is needed to identify the cause and begin treatment.
Other emergency signs, for anyone
Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
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 prompt medical advice for persistent fever or chills, especially if you have known valve disease, a replacement valve, or have recently had a medical or dental procedure.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Arrange a routine medical review if you develop gradually increasing breathlessness, reduced exercise ability, ankle swelling, new palpitations, or a need to sleep propped up because of breathing difficulty.
If you already have mitral regurgitation, report a clear change rather than waiting for the next planned appointment.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Mitral valve regurgitation. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.