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 for:
Severe or rapidly worsening breathlessness, especially at rest
Fainting, new confusion or difficulty staying awake
Chest pain that is severe, persistent or accompanied by sweating or nausea
Blue or grey lips or skin
Coughing up more than a small streak of blood
A problem with continuous infusion treatment that interrupts the medicine
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
Contact your PAH team promptly for new or steadily worsening breathlessness, swelling, rapid weight gain, repeated dizziness, palpitations or a clear reduction in normal activity.
These changes may reflect fluid build-up, an abnormal heart rhythm or increasing strain on the heart.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Routine follow-up is still important when symptoms feel stable.
Contact the specialist team before becoming pregnant, if a pregnancy test is positive, before starting a new medicine or if treatment side effects are difficult to manage.
The article also says
Do not drive yourself if you are severely unwell.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Pulmonary arterial hypertension. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.