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Warning-sign checks

Venous insufficiency: 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. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Call emergency services for:

    • Sudden breathlessness, chest pain, coughing up blood, or fainting
    • Bleeding from a leg vein that does not stop with firm pressure
    • Severe illness, confusion, or collapse alongside a red or infected leg

    Get emergency help if bleeding is heavy or continues.

    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. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Seek urgent same-day medical care for sudden swelling or pain in one leg, especially if it is warm, red, or tender.

    These can be symptoms of DVT.

    Rapidly spreading redness, worsening ulcer pain, pus, or fever may suggest infection and also needs prompt assessment.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Arrange a routine appointment if you have persistent leg swelling, heaviness, visible varicose veins with symptoms, brown or inflamed skin, or a sore that is not healing.

    Earlier assessment may help prevent further skin damage.

The article also says

If a varicose vein bleeds, lie down, raise the leg, and press firmly over the bleeding point with a clean cloth or dressing.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Venous insufficiency. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.