Endocarditis: when to get help

1. 1

   Is any of this happening now?

   Call 911

   Call emergency services for:

   • Sudden facial drooping, arm weakness or speech difficulty
   • Severe difficulty breathing
   • New severe chest pain
   • Fainting, marked confusion or difficulty waking
   • Coughing up blood
   • A cold, painful or suddenly weak arm or leg
   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
   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
2. 2

   Is any of this happening?

   Be seen today

   Endocarditis requires urgent assessment.

   Seek same-day medical advice for unexplained or persistent fever, chills, night sweats or increasing fatigue, especially if you have:

   • Had endocarditis before
   • An artificial valve or certain congenital heart conditions
   • A recent bloodstream infection
   • An implanted heart device or long-term intravenous line
   • Recently injected drugs

   During treatment, promptly report returning fever, worsening breathlessness, new swelling or treatment side effects.

   Scheduled tests, heart scans and dental care are important but do not replace urgent assessment for new symptoms.

   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these

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