Transposition of the great arteries: 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
Is any of this happening now?
Call 911
TGA in an undiagnosed newborn is an emergency.
Call emergency services if a baby has blue or grey lips or tongue, severe breathing difficulty, becomes limp, is difficult to wake or stops responding normally.
After repair, seek emergency help for:
Severe or rapidly worsening breathing difficulty
Fainting, collapse or reduced responsiveness
New blue or grey colouring
Chest pain with fainting, sweating or breathing difficulty
A fast or irregular heartbeat with dizziness or collapse
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
Contact the congenital heart team promptly for a clear decline in feeding, fewer wet nappies, increasing swelling, unexplained weight gain, fever around the time of recent surgery, wound redness or drainage, or a new reduction in exercise ability.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Routine follow-up is still needed when there are no symptoms.
Keep scheduled congenital heart appointments and arrange a non-emergency review for recurring palpitations, gradual tiredness or concerns about growth, learning or development.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Transposition of the great arteries. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.