What symptoms should I look for that could indicate life-threatening conditions?

Symptoms of Life-Threatening Conditions

The most important symptoms to look for that could indicate life-threatening conditions include chest pain or discomfort, difficulty breathing, cold sweats, nausea/vomiting, fainting, and anxiety/fear, especially when these symptoms interrupt normal activity. 1

Cardiovascular Emergency Warning Signs

Chest Pain/Discomfort

• May present as:
  • Chest pain, pressure, heaviness, tightness, or squeezing 1
  • Discomfort may be gradual or sudden in onset 1
  • Can be mild (slight discomfort) or severe 1
  • May radiate to arms, jaw, neck, or back 1

Associated Symptoms

• Cold sweats 1
• Nausea or vomiting 1
• Fainting or near-fainting 1
• Anxiety or fear 1
• Shortness of breath or trouble breathing 2
• Weakness in one part or side of body 2
• Slurred speech 2

Respiratory Emergency Warning Signs

• Severe prolonged dyspnea (difficulty breathing) 1
• Rapid breathing 1
• Inability to complete sentences due to breathlessness
• Cyanosis (bluish discoloration of lips or extremities)

Neurological Emergency Warning Signs

• Altered mental status or confusion 1, 3
• Slurred speech 2
• Weakness in one part or side of body 2
• Severe headache of sudden onset
• Seizures

Sepsis Warning Signs

• Fever (≥38°C/100.4°F) OR hypothermia 1
• Extreme shivering/rigors 1
• Rapid heart rate 3
• Decreased urine output (less than 0.5 mL/kg/hour) 3
• Mottled or discolored skin 1
• Feeling very unwell or sense of impending doom 1

Allergic Reaction/Anaphylaxis Warning Signs

• Skin manifestations (generalized erythema, extensive urticaria) 1
• Swelling of face or throat 2
• Difficulty breathing 1
• Hypotension 1
• Gastrointestinal symptoms (vomiting, diarrhea) 1

When to Seek Immediate Medical Attention

Seek emergency care when symptoms:

1. Interrupt normal activity 1
2. Are accompanied by cold sweat, nausea, vomiting, fainting, or anxiety/fear 1
3. Include shortness of breath or trouble breathing 2
4. Include chest pain that is severe, prolonged, or acute in onset 1

Important Considerations

• Do not wait for symptoms to disappear as these are poor indicators of risk 1
• Symptoms may be highly individual and can present differently across patients 1
• The onset of symptoms may be acute, gradual, or intermittent 1
• Elderly patients and those with diabetes may present with atypical or minimal symptoms
• Women may present with different symptoms than men (more fatigue, shortness of breath, and back/jaw pain)

Symptoms Less Likely to Indicate Life-Threatening Conditions

• Pain that varies with respiration, body position, or food intake 1
• Pain that is well localized on the chest wall 1
• Pain accompanied by local tenderness 1

Remember that early recognition and treatment of life-threatening conditions is crucial for survival. When in doubt, it is always better to seek immediate medical attention rather than wait for symptoms to worsen.