Thrombolytic drugs for heart attack: when to get help

1. 1

   Is any of this happening now?

   Call 911

   Call emergency services for:

   • New or returning chest pressure or pain
   • Sudden weakness, facial drooping, speech trouble or confusion
   • A sudden severe headache or collapse
   • Vomiting blood, coughing blood, or heavy uncontrolled bleeding
   • Severe shortness of breath or loss of consciousness

   Do not drive yourself to emergency care.

   And for anyone, someone who:

   • has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
   • you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
   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
   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
2. 2

   Is any of this happening?

   Be seen today

   During your hospital stay, tell staff immediately about new pain, bleeding, a severe headache, weakness, numbness, difficulty speaking, confusion, faintness, breathing difficulty, or swelling of the face or tongue.

   After discharge, contact your healthcare team promptly for routine concerns such as increasing bruising, minor bleeding that keeps returning, medication side effects, or questions about activity and work.

   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

   And for anyone, someone who:

   • is having side effects from a medicine, or is struggling to take it as prescribed
   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these

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