Many people worry about going to the hospital or taking up time from a doctor. We discuss which symptoms you should still have checked by a physician.
Don’t delay if you feel that hospitals are overcrowded or you are concerned about the virus. Patients who need immediate stroke or heart care can still be served by the NHS. Hospitals have strict procedures that ensure patients are separated from people with suspected or confirmed coronavirus. It is highly unlikely that you will be infected. Many GPs offer telephone and online consultations so that you can talk to your doctor without leaving the house.
Call 999 immediately if you experience any symptoms that could indicate an emergency like a stroke or heart attack. If you wait, you will suffer more severe damage and be more likely needing intensive care.
Visit Intclinics to view your nearest hospital.
Signs you need emergency help
Sudden pain in your chest or discomfort that does not disappear
It is a pain that extends to your right or wrong arm, neck or jaw, back or stomach.
Suddenly, feeling lightheaded, sweaty, or sick.
Swelling of the lower legs, ankles, and feet
Over a short time period, weight gain
Breathing problems
If you are already suffering from heart failure,
Facial weakness
Speech problems
Signs that you have suffered a stroke
Sudden memory or confusion loss, dizziness, or an abrupt fall
Sudden severe headache
Sudden sight problems
Nausea or weakness on one side
Fainting or blackouts
Heart palpitations
Sudden pain or discomfort that persists in your chest.
You should dial 999 immediately if there is sudden pain in your chest. This could indicate a heart problem and you need to seek immediate medical assistance.
It is important to understand that discomfort can manifest in many ways. It is possible to feel pressure, tightness or squeezing around your chest.
It is a pain that extends to your right or wrong arm, neck or jaw, back or stomach.
This can also be a sign of a cardiac attack. If you feel this, it is important to call 999 immediately for medical assistance. For some, the tightness or pain is very severe. Others find it uncomfortable.
Covid’s legacy
Cancelled procedures Missed appointments. Lost lives. Covid-19 had a devastating effect on cardiovascular care.
The pandemic has caused the wait times for heart surgery and life saving treatment to more than double in England, according to our new analysis.
The Government must act quickly to enable the NHS to provide the best care for heart patients and to create a more resilient and secure health system.
Feeling sick, lightheaded, or sweaty suddenly
These can be signs of other less serious conditions, like food poisoning or panic attacks. However, they can disappear quickly. These can be symptoms of a heartattack. Call 999 immediately if there is a sudden, severe feeling of sickness, sweatiness, or light-headedness.
Swelling in the feet, ankles, and lower legs
An indicator of heart failure is increased swelling below the knees. This happens when fluid retention occurs.
Heart failure can signify swelling below the knees.
Make an appointment to see your GP if this swelling persists. You can be tested and assessed as necessary. Many of these tests are easily performed at your GP, so you don’t need hospitalization. If you are experiencing symptoms that aren’t improving, it is important to see your GP right away.
Over a short time period, weight gain
It is important to keep track of your weight if you have had heart disease. Rapid weight gain could be an indication that too much fluid has built up in your body. It may also indicate that your condition is getting worse or that you need to adjust your medication.
Although many people find themselves adding weight when they’re in ‘lockdown”, it’s worth keeping track of any weight gain. Contact your GP or healthcare provider if you notice a weight gain exceeding two or three pounds in 24 hours and five pounds in a weekly period.
Shortness of breath
Although shortness can be caused by many things, it can also be a sign you may have heart failure. This can occur when you’re doing something active like walking, climbing stairs, or lying down.
There are many causes of shortness in breath, but it may also be a sign or heart failure.
Your GP can help you if you are experiencing shortness or difficulty breathing.
If you experience difficulty breathing or are unable to sleep, then it is possible that you have pulmonary congestion.
If you already have a diagnosis for heart failure
For anyone who is concerned about someone suffering from heart disease, or if you have any questions, dial 999.
The person is having difficulty breathing
Collapses or a combination thereof
Or, is in distress
faints or blacks out
Or you feel sudden pain in your chest or discomfort that won’t go away.
If you are experiencing heart failure, inform your family, friends and caregivers to call 999 immediately if you experience any of the following:
Facial weakness
Can you smile? Are your eyes and mouth watering? Facial weakness may be a sign of stroke. Call 999 immediately to receive immediate medical attention.
Speech problem
Are you struggling to communicate clearly? These symptoms could indicate that your stroke is imminent. Get help quickly by dialing 999 right away.
Signs that you have suffered a stroke
F.A.S.T. is the best way to recognize these signs
Facial weakness – can they smile! Are their eyes or mouth watering?
Are they able to raise both arms when they have weakness in their arms?
Speech problems – Can they hear you clearly and speak clearly?
Time – Call 999 immediately if these symptoms appear.
Sudden memory or confusion loss or dizziness.
If there is sudden memory loss or confusion and it is not related to any existing condition, then you need immediate medical assistance. It is important to remember that symptoms can also be caused or exacerbated by other conditions.
If memory loss or sudden confusion are not common, it may be an emergency like a stroke. You should immediately dial 999 to seek medical assistance.
Sudden severe headache
Though severe headaches may be caused by many things it can also be a sign you might have a stroke if it happens suddenly and quickly. Stroke headaches may also be associated with loss of sensation, such vision or feeling. Call 999 to get medical help.
Sudden sight problems
Sight problems may include blurred vision, loss of sight or even total blindness. These symptoms are often a sign that you have suffered a stroke. Don’t delay – call 999 immediately.
Nausea or weakness on one side
Call 999 immediately if there is sudden weakness or numbness in one side. You could be suffering from a stroke. This sudden weakness, or numbness, can be felt anywhere on the body.
Fainting and blackouts
Although it is common for around 40% of people to faint, it is usually not life-threatening. Your GP should be consulted if you feel concerned about your fainting and blackout episodes. They can diagnose or rule any medical condition, including an abnormal heart rhythm.
You may be able to request a Holter monitor (or ambulatory ECG monitoring) to be sent to your home to prevent you from going to hospital. This monitor is worn for at minimum 24 hours and can last for up to a month. This will allow your physician to diagnose any problem in your heart.
Heart palpitations
You may feel your heart beating, or palpitations. It can feel as if your heart is racing, pounding or fluttering. This sensation can be felt either while you’re moving or when you are asleep.
Palpitations are normal and often harmless. However, if they occur frequently or quickly, you may not need to visit your GP.
If any of the above apply, please make an appointment to see your doctor.
Palpitations that last a long while don’t change or get worse.
The symptoms of sudden dizziness and palpitations are caused by your palpitations
If you have had heart problems in the past
You’re worried about the palpitations.
Call 999 if you experience palpitations, chest pain, tightness, breathing problems, fainting, or other symptoms.
This isn’t a comprehensive list of all symptoms you may have that could indicate you need urgent medical attention. If you are unable or unwilling to manage any of these symptoms, it is important that you seek medical help.