Heart disease and women: when to get help

1. 1

   Is any of this happening now?

   Call 911

   Call emergency services for new chest pressure, squeezing, heaviness, or pain that lasts more than a few minutes, returns, or occurs with:

   • Shortness of breath
   • Cold sweating
   • Nausea or vomiting
   • Fainting or severe light-headedness
   • Pain in the arm, back, neck, jaw, or upper abdomen
   • Sudden extreme weakness

   Also seek emergency help for severe breathlessness at rest, collapse, or unresponsiveness.

   If someone is unresponsive and not breathing normally, call emergency services and begin CPR if you are able.

   Do not drive yourself when a heart attack may be happening.

   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
   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
2. 2

   Is any of this happening?

   Be seen today

   Arrange prompt medical assessment for new chest discomfort with activity, unexplained breathlessness, repeated palpitations, fainting, or a clear decline in stamina.

   And for anyone, someone who:

   • is getting rapidly more short of breath, or has gained several pounds in a few days with swelling
   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
3. 3

   Does any of this apply?

   Book an appointment

   Routine follow-up is appropriate for medication reviews, blood pressure or cholesterol monitoring, stable long-term symptoms, and discussions about exercise, pregnancy, contraception, or menopause treatment.

   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these

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