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 or sudden difficulty breathing
Fainting, especially during activity
Severe or persistent chest pain
Coughing up more than a small streak of blood
Signs of stroke, such as facial drooping, arm weakness or speech difficulty
Blue-grey colouring that is suddenly much worse than usual
Confusion, collapse or inability to wake normally
Tell emergency staff that you have Eisenmenger syndrome or cyanotic congenital heart disease.
If possible, carry a medical summary listing your heart anatomy, usual oxygen level, medicines and specialist contact details.
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
Contact your care team promptly for sustained changes such as increasing breathlessness, reduced activity, new swelling, more frequent palpitations or worsening headaches and dizziness.
Seek prompt medical advice for:
Fever or persistent signs of infection
Vomiting or diarrhoea that could cause dehydration
A small amount of blood when coughing
New or repeated palpitations
New swelling or rapid weight gain from fluid
Possible pregnancy or plans to become pregnant
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Attend all routine specialist appointments.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Eisenmenger syndrome. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.