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Warning-sign checks

Sick sinus syndrome: 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 now if you have:

    • Fainted and have not recovered normally
    • Chest pain or pressure
    • Severe difficulty breathing
    • A very slow or irregular heartbeat with severe weakness or confusion
    • Sudden facial drooping, arm weakness, speech trouble, or other stroke symptoms
    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 for new fainting, repeated near-fainting, worsening shortness of breath, or a new slow or irregular pulse with symptoms.

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • is vomiting and cannot keep fluids down
  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    A routine appointment is appropriate for ongoing tiredness, reduced exercise capacity, occasional palpitations, or repeated low pulse readings without severe symptoms.

    Bring a list of medicines and, if available, records from a home monitor or wearable device.

    These records can be helpful, but they do not replace a medical ECG.

The article also says

Do not drive yourself if you feel faint or severely unwell.

If you already have a pacemaker, follow the monitoring plan provided for your device.

Seek advice if the implant area becomes increasingly red, swollen, painful, or starts draining fluid, especially soon after placement.

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