What should I do if I'm experiencing symptoms or health concerns?

When to Seek Medical Attention for Symptoms or Health Concerns

If you're experiencing symptoms or health concerns, you should call 9-1-1 immediately if your symptoms are severe, worsening, or concerning. 1

When to Call 9-1-1 Immediately

• Chest pain or discomfort that is:

  • Unimproved or worsening after 5 minutes 2, 1
  • Unimproved or worsening 5 minutes after taking nitroglycerin (if prescribed) 2

• Breathing problems:

  • Severe shortness of breath
  • Inability to catch your breath
  • Breathing that is getting worse quickly 1

• Neurological symptoms:

  • Confusion or new disorientation
  • Slurred speech
  • Weakness on one side of the body
  • Fainting or loss of consciousness 1

• Other emergency symptoms:

  • Cold sweats with other concerning symptoms
  • Severe, sudden onset of symptoms
  • Symptoms that prevent you from doing normal activities 1

When to Contact Your Healthcare Provider

Contact your healthcare provider (not emergency services) when you have:

• Symptoms that are bothersome but not severe
• Symptoms that persist longer than expected
• New symptoms that develop gradually
• Questions about medication side effects
• Concerns about chronic conditions 1

What to Expect When Seeking Help

When calling 9-1-1:

• Stay on the line and follow the dispatcher's instructions
• If you have chest pain, the dispatcher may instruct you to take aspirin while waiting for emergency personnel 2
• Be prepared to describe your symptoms in detail

When contacting your healthcare provider:

• Keep a symptom diary to share specific details about your symptoms
• Note when symptoms started, how they've changed, and what makes them better or worse
• Bring a list of all medications you're taking, including over-the-counter drugs 3

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Delaying care: Many people wait too long to seek help, hoping symptoms will resolve on their own 1
• Self-medicating: Taking medications without guidance can mask important symptoms or cause harmful interactions 2
• Downplaying symptoms: Serious conditions often present with mild or vague symptoms that are easy to dismiss 1
• Not reporting medication concerns: Healthcare providers need to know about side effects or if you've stopped taking prescribed medications 4

Key Takeaway

Don't hesitate to seek medical attention when concerned about symptoms. It's better to be evaluated and find nothing serious than to delay care for a potentially serious condition. Your healthcare providers would rather you reach out with concerns than suffer in silence.