Stable angina: when to get help

1. 1

   Is any of this happening now?

   Call 911

   Call emergency services for chest pressure, pain, or breathlessness that is new, severe, occurs at rest, or does not settle as expected.

   Also seek emergency help if discomfort is accompanied by fainting, marked sweating, nausea, severe weakness, or pain spreading to the arm, jaw, back, or neck.

   And for anyone, someone who:

   • has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
   Other emergency signs, for anyone

   • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
   • 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
   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
2. 2

   Is any of this happening?

   Be seen today

   A change in an established angina pattern can be urgent even if the discomfort eventually stops.

   Seek prompt medical assessment if episodes are becoming more frequent, lasting longer, occurring with less activity, waking you from sleep, or responding less well to your usual treatment.

   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
3. 3

   Does any of this apply?

   Book an appointment

   For symptoms that remain predictable but are limiting your activities, arrange a routine appointment.

   Routine review is also appropriate for medicine side effects, uncertainty about exercise, or help managing cardiovascular risk factors.

   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these

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