Heart disease health centre

Heart disease: When to seek medical advice

When caring for a person with heart disease, it is important to know which symptoms require medical attention. If you notice any of the symptoms described below in the person you are caring for, seek medical advice as soon as possible. In an emergency, call an ambulance.

• A feeling of fullness (bloating) in the stomach with a loss of appetite or nausea.
• Extreme fatigue or decreased ability to complete daily activities.
• A respiratory infection or a cough that has become worse.
• Fast heart rate (above 100 beats per minute).
• New, irregular heartbeat.
• Chest pain or discomfort during activity that is relieved with rest.
• Difficulty breathing during day to day activities or at rest.
• Changes in sleep patterns, including difficulty sleeping or feeling the need to sleep a lot more than usual.
• Decreased urination.
• Restlessness, confusion.
• Constant dizziness or light-headedness.
• Nausea or poor appetite.

When should my loved one go to Accident and Emergency?

Call 999 if he/she has:

• New chest pain or discomfort that is severe, unexpected, or occurs with shortness of breath, sweating, nausea or weakness.
• A fast heart rate (more than 120-150 beats per minute) -- especially if he/she is short of breath, too.
• Shortness of breath NOT relieved by rest.
• Sudden weakness or paralysis (inability to move) in the arms or legs.
• A sudden, severe headache.
• A fainting spell with loss of consciousness.

Seek medical advice about any other concerns you may have about your loved one's condition.