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Warning-sign checks

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement: 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:

    • Signs of stroke, such as facial drooping, arm weakness, or trouble speaking
    • Severe chest pain, severe breathlessness, fainting, or sudden confusion
    • Bleeding that does not stop with firm pressure
    • A rapidly enlarging lump at the access site
    • A leg that becomes suddenly cold, pale, painful, or numb

    Do not drive yourself during an emergency.

    Call your local emergency services.

    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

    Contact your healthcare team promptly for increasing redness, warmth, drainage, swelling, or pain at the catheter site.

    Also report fever, new palpitations, worsening breathlessness, rapid weight gain, leg swelling, or a clear decline in activity.

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