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
Get urgent or emergency help for:
Severe, persistent, or crushing chest pain
Chest pain with sweating, nausea, or pain spreading to the arm or jaw
Fainting, near-fainting, confusion, or marked weakness
Severe or rapidly worsening shortness of breath
Blue or grey lips, very pale or clammy skin, or difficulty staying awake
A very fast heartbeat with dizziness or breathing difficulty
These features can occur when fluid is compressing the heart or when another serious heart or lung condition is present.
Do not drive yourself if you feel faint, severely breathless, or seriously unwell.
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
Arrange prompt medical advice if chest pain returns, even if it resembles an earlier episode.
An assessment may be needed to confirm active inflammation, check for fluid, and rule out a different cause.
Also seek advice if symptoms are gradually worsening, fever persists, or medicine side effects develop.
New, severe, or clearly different symptoms should not wait for a routine appointment.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Routine follow-up is appropriate for stable symptoms that are already improving under an agreed plan.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Recurrent pericarditis. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.