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
Seek emergency help for severe trouble breathing, fainting, uncontrolled bleeding, sudden weakness or difficulty speaking, or chest pressure that feels different from incision pain.
Do not drive yourself in an emergency.
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
Contact your surgical team promptly if you develop wound redness, warmth, drainage, opening, worsening pain, new palpitations, increasing leg swelling, or a fever at or above the threshold in your discharge instructions.
Also call if your recovery stops improving or you cannot manage food, fluids, medicines, or daily activity.
And for anyone, someone who:
is getting rapidly more short of breath, or has gained several pounds in a few days with swelling
has a wound that is hot, spreading red, or leaking pus
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Routine tiredness, mild incision discomfort, and a slowly improving appetite can usually be discussed at planned follow-up.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Open heart surgery. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.