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 if you have:
Severe or sudden difficulty breathing
Chest pain that is severe, new, or does not settle
Fainting or near-fainting with ongoing symptoms
Blue or grey lips, severe confusion, or difficulty staying awake
A very fast or irregular heartbeat with chest pain, faintness, or breathlessness
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 your healthcare team promptly if swelling continues despite your usual treatment, you are breathless at rest, or you are passing much less urine than normal.
These can be signs of worsening fluid retention and may need treatment soon.
These symptoms can have several causes and need urgent assessment rather than waiting for a routine appointment.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Arrange a routine appointment if you develop gradually increasing ankle swelling, abdominal fullness, tiredness, palpitations, or breathlessness.
Also seek review if known symptoms are becoming more frequent, your usual activity is harder, or your weight rises quickly with swelling.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Tricuspid regurgitation. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.