sofidexFor patientsAre you a clinician? Clinical site
Ask Sofi
Listen
Patient SupportEmergencies & Reporting
Log inSign up

Warning-sign checks

Calcification: 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

    Call emergency services for chest pressure, severe breathing difficulty, signs of stroke, or sudden collapse.

    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

    Seek prompt medical advice for rapidly worsening pain, redness or drainage over a deposit, new fainting, or increasing shortness of breath.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Follow-up depends on the type of calcification.

    Ask the ordering clinician to explain its location, whether the pattern appears benign, and whether comparison with older imaging is needed.

    A cardiologist may monitor a calcified heart valve, a breast-imaging team may arrange another mammogram, or a kidney specialist may track mineral and hormone levels.

    Keep copies of imaging reports and record any recommended follow-up date.

    If a report recommends additional imaging, contact the ordering clinician rather than waiting for symptoms.

    Arrange an appointment if pain, stiffness, skin deposits, or exercise tolerance gradually changes.

The article also says

The plan may involve no further testing, repeat imaging at a defined interval, blood tests, or specialist review.

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