Heart Disease: When to Call the Doctor

When caring for a person with heart disease, it is important to know which symptoms require a doctor's attention. If you notice any of the symptoms described below in the person you are caring for, call the doctor as soon as possible. In case of emergency, keep the doctor's phone number next to your phone.

• 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 regular 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 lightheadedness.
• Nausea or poor appetite.

When Should My Loved One Go to the Emergency Department?

Call 911 if he/she has:

• New chest pain or discomfort that is severe, unexpected, and occurs with shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, or weakness.
• 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.
• Sudden, severe headache.
• Fainting spell with loss of consciousness.

Call your doctor with any other concerns you may have about your loved one's condition.

Reviewed by the doctors at The Cleveland Clinic Heart Center.