Congenital heart defect - corrective surgery: 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
Is any of this happening now?
Call 911
Call emergency services for severe trouble breathing, fainting, a seizure, sudden weakness, blue or grey lips or skin, severe chest pain, uncontrolled bleeding, or difficulty waking.
Follow the discharge team’s emergency plan if it differs.
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
Is any of this happening?
Be seen today
Seek prompt medical advice for:
Fever at or above the threshold given by your facility
Increasing incision redness, swelling, warmth, drainage, or opening
New or worsening shortness of breath
Repeated vomiting or inability to keep fluids down
A new fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat
Increasing swelling, unusual tiredness, or reduced urination
And for anyone, someone who:
is getting rapidly more short of breath, or has gained several pounds in a few days with swelling
has a wound that is hot, spreading red, or leaking pus
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Contact the surgical or congenital heart team if pain is not improving, appetite remains poor, the incision becomes more tender, or you have concerns about medicines, activity, work, school, or follow-up.