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Warning-sign checks

Cardiac tamponade: 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 fainting, confusion, severe or rapidly worsening shortness of breath, marked weakness, clammy skin, or severe chest pain.

    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
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Contact the care team promptly for gradually increasing breathlessness, chest discomfort, swelling, fatigue, fever, or a faster heartbeat.

    These symptoms need timely review but may not always represent recurrent tamponade.

    These symptoms should not wait for a routine appointment.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Follow-up is tailored to the cause and the likelihood that fluid will return.

    It may include repeat echocardiograms, symptom checks, physical examinations, and blood tests.

    If a drainage catheter was used, the care team may monitor how much fluid continues to drain before removing it.

    Follow-up may also involve oncology, infectious disease, kidney, rheumatology, endocrine, trauma, or surgical specialists.

    Ask for clear instructions about activity, wound care, medicines, and when repeat imaging is planned.

    Take medicines only as directed.

    Do not stop anticoagulants like warfarin or apixaban , anti-inflammatory medicines, or treatment for another medical condition without speaking with the prescribing clinician.

The article also says

Keep scheduled cardiology and primary care appointments even if symptoms improve.

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