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
Seek emergency help for:
Severe or rapidly worsening difficulty breathing
Blue or grey lips, tongue, or face
Fainting, collapse, unusual unresponsiveness, or difficulty waking
Sudden chest pain and breathlessness, particularly after a heart attack
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
Arrange prompt medical assessment if a baby is breathing faster than usual, repeatedly becomes sweaty or exhausted during feeds, takes much less milk, or has fewer wet nappies.
New swelling, a clear drop in activity, persistent palpitations, or an unexplained ongoing fever also needs timely review.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Routine follow-up is appropriate for monitoring growth, heart sounds, exercise tolerance, and test results when there are no new concerning symptoms.
Contact the relevant heart team if scheduled congenital heart follow-up has been missed or if pregnancy is being planned.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Ventricular septal defect. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.