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Warning-sign checks

Women and coronary artery disease: 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 if you develop new or unexplained chest pressure, squeezing, heaviness, or pain that lasts more than a few minutes, returns repeatedly, or occurs at rest.

    Do the same for sudden breathlessness, fainting, cold sweating, or chest discomfort with nausea or pain spreading to the arm, back, neck, jaw, or upper abdomen.

    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

    Symptoms can be less intense than expected, and it is safer to be assessed promptly.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Arrange a routine medical appointment if you notice repeatable chest discomfort or breathlessness during activity, an unexplained decline in stamina, or recurring symptoms that settle with rest.

    Earlier review is also appropriate if established angina becomes more frequent or is triggered by less activity.

    Continue routine follow-up if you already have coronary disease, even when you feel well.

    This allows risk factors, medicines, and any change in symptoms to be reviewed.

The article also says

Do not drive yourself if a heart attack may be happening.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Women and coronary artery disease. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.