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 breathing difficulty, collapse, a seizure, sudden weakness on one side, inability to wake, or a cyanotic spell that does not quickly settle.
A newborn or child who suddenly becomes deeply blue, limp, or unresponsive also needs emergency care.
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
Contact the congenital heart team promptly if oxygen readings are repeatedly below the person's usual range, even if they seem comfortable.
Some complex circulations have lower expected levels, so comparison with the established baseline matters.
Seek urgent medical help for:
New or clearly worsening blue-grey colour
Breathing that is harder or faster than usual
A sustained racing or irregular heartbeat
New chest pain, severe headache, fever, or marked weakness
A baby who cannot feed, is unusually sleepy, or has fewer wet nappies
And for anyone, someone who:
is getting rapidly more short of breath, or has gained several pounds in a few days with swelling
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Arrange routine review for a gradual decline in exercise ability, increasing tiredness, new swelling, more frequent palpitations, poor growth, feeding difficulties, or a change from the usual cyanosis.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Cyanotic heart disease. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.