Idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy: when to get help
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 if you have:
Severe breathlessness at rest or sudden difficulty breathing
Chest pain that is new, severe or does not settle
Fainting, especially during activity or with palpitations
A sustained rapid heartbeat with weakness, chest pain or breathlessness
Coughing up pink, frothy fluid
Signs of stroke, such as facial drooping, arm weakness or speech difficulty
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
These symptoms do not prove that cardiomyopathy is the cause, but they need urgent assessment.
Contact your usual heart failure or medical team promptly if breathlessness or swelling is getting worse, you are waking short of breath, your weight rises quickly from fluid, or normal activities become noticeably harder.
Also report new palpitations or medication side effects.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Routine follow-up remains important when you feel well.
It allows treatment and implanted devices to be checked and gives an opportunity to monitor heart function.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.