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 your local emergency number if you have new or severe chest pressure, squeezing, or heaviness that does not settle within a few minutes of rest.
This is especially important if it spreads to your arm, jaw, neck, back, or abdomen, or occurs with breathlessness, sweating, nausea, faintness, or collapse.
If you have prescribed medicine for angina, follow your emergency instructions.
Call for emergency help if the discomfort does not respond as expected.
Do not drive yourself to hospital.
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
Seek urgent medical assessment if:
Your usual angina occurs at rest
Episodes become more frequent, severe, or prolonged
Symptoms begin with much less activity than before
You develop new breathlessness, fainting, or a sustained irregular heartbeat
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Arrange routine follow-up if stable symptoms are limiting your activities, you are having medicine side effects, or you need help managing smoking, blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, diet, or activity.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Coronary artery disease. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.