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:
Chest pressure or pain that may indicate a heart attack
Sudden facial weakness, arm weakness, speech difficulty, or severe confusion
Sudden loss of vision
Fainting with chest, back, or abdominal pain
Sudden severe chest, back, or abdominal pain, especially with weakness or collapse
Severe breathing difficulty or a cold, pale, intensely painful limb
These symptoms can have several causes, but they require immediate assessment.
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
Do not wait for a scheduled appointment if symptoms are clearly changing.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Arrange a prompt, non-emergency review if you develop new or worsening limb pain with activity, differences between arm blood pressure readings, headaches, dizziness, vision changes, breathlessness, chest discomfort, or symptoms that previously occurred during a flare.
Also seek routine advice if medicine side effects are affecting you, you may have an infection while taking immune-suppressing treatment, or you are planning pregnancy.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Takayasu arteritis. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.