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 new, severe, or unexplained chest pain.
It is not possible to reliably distinguish pericarditis from a heart attack or another emergency based on symptoms alone.
Call emergency services if chest pain occurs with:
Severe or rapidly worsening breathlessness
Fainting, collapse, confusion, or marked weakness
Cold, clammy, pale, or bluish skin
Heavy chest pressure, sweating, or nausea
A very fast or irregular heartbeat with dizziness
Coughing up blood
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
Get urgent medical advice if diagnosed symptoms are worsening, a fever persists, you cannot lie flat because of breathlessness, or swelling develops in your legs or abdomen.
Prompt review is also appropriate if chest pain returns during treatment.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Routine follow-up is important even when you feel better.
It may include checking symptoms, inflammatory blood tests, medicine side effects, and whether it is safe to increase physical activity.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Pericarditis. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.