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Warning-sign checks

Patent foramen ovale: 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. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Call emergency services immediately for possible stroke symptoms, even if they improve within minutes.

    These include sudden facial drooping, arm or leg weakness, speech trouble, vision loss, severe imbalance, or confusion.

    Emergency assessment is also needed for sudden severe breathlessness, chest pain, coughing up blood, or fainting.

    These can be signs of a clot in the lungs or another serious condition.

    Use emergency services for severe symptoms.

    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. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    After a closure procedure, seek urgent advice for increasing swelling or bleeding at the catheter site, fever, worsening chest discomfort, fainting, or a new fast or irregular heartbeat.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Routine follow-up is appropriate if you have questions about an incidentally discovered PFO, migraines without new neurological symptoms, planned pregnancy, long-distance travel, or scuba diving.

    Arrange a review if you are unsure whether prescribed stroke-prevention medicine should continue; do not stop it without medical guidance.

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