Pericarditis - after heart attack: when to get help

1. 1

   Is any of this happening now?

   Call 911

   Call emergency services for new, severe, or worsening chest pain after a heart attack.

   Do not drive yourself or wait to see whether changing position relieves it.

   Emergency help is also needed for:

   • Severe or rapidly worsening shortness of breath
   • Fainting, near-fainting, confusion, or marked weakness
   • Chest pain with sweating, nausea, or a heavy pressure
   • Blue or grey lips, or difficulty staying awake
   • A very fast heartbeat with dizziness or collapse

   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

   These symptoms may come from another heart attack, cardiac tamponade, a dangerous rhythm, or another urgent condition.

   Contact your healthcare team promptly for a returning fever, increasing positional chest pain, new palpitations, worsening breathlessness, or swelling in your legs or abdomen.

   Also seek advice if treatment causes persistent diarrhoea, vomiting, black stools, unusual bleeding, or reduced urination.

   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 when symptoms are steadily improving and you have no warning signs.

   Keep planned appointments even if the pain has stopped.

   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these

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