Obstructive hypertrophic 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 for:
Collapse or loss of consciousness
Severe or rapidly worsening breathlessness
Chest pain or pressure that is severe, persistent, or accompanied by sweating or nausea
A fast heartbeat with faintness, chest pain, or breathlessness
Signs of stroke, such as facial drooping, arm weakness, or difficulty speaking
If someone is unresponsive and not breathing normally, call emergency services, begin CPR if you can, and use an automated external defibrillator if one is available.
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
Request prompt medical assessment for unexplained fainting, especially during exercise, or for a new sustained racing or irregular heartbeat.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Arrange a routine appointment if you develop mild but persistent breathlessness, reduced exercise capacity, occasional palpitations, or new ankle swelling.
Also seek follow-up if existing symptoms are becoming more frequent.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.