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Warning-sign checks

Restrictive 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

    Seek emergency help for:

    • Severe or sudden breathlessness
    • Chest pain that is new, intense, or persistent
    • Fainting, especially during activity
    • A very fast or irregular heartbeat with weakness or breathlessness
    • Signs of stroke, such as facial drooping, arm weakness, or speech difficulty
    • Collapse, unresponsiveness, or absent normal breathing

    A collapse or suspected cardiac arrest requires immediate emergency services and cardiopulmonary resuscitation if someone nearby is able to provide it.

    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

    If you already have the condition, contact your care team promptly for worsening swelling, increasing breathlessness, a rapid weight increase, new palpitations, or dizziness.

    These changes may mean that fluid levels, heart rhythm, or treatment need review.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Arrange a routine appointment if you develop ongoing breathlessness, ankle swelling, unexplained tiredness, reduced exercise ability, or repeated palpitations.

    These symptoms deserve assessment but are not always caused by restrictive cardiomyopathy.

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