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Warning-sign checks

Peripartum cardiomyopathy: 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:

    • Sudden or severe difficulty breathing
    • Chest pain or pressure
    • Fainting or near-fainting
    • Coughing up pink, frothy fluid
    • New weakness on one side, facial drooping, or trouble speaking
    • Severe confusion, cold clammy skin, or extreme weakness
    • A sustained very fast or irregular heartbeat with dizziness or breathlessness
    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. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Arrange prompt medical assessment if you are pregnant or recently gave birth and develop new breathlessness, increasing swelling, unusual exhaustion, palpitations, or difficulty breathing when lying flat.

    These symptoms are not always caused by peripartum cardiomyopathy, but they deserve assessment.

    If you have already been diagnosed, contact your care team promptly if symptoms return, swelling increases, your weight rises quickly from fluid, or you are struggling with ordinary activities.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    These are reasons for earlier review rather than waiting for a routine appointment.

The article also says

Do not drive yourself if symptoms are severe.

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