What should I do if my heart disease symptoms get worse?
Don't ignore changes in your symptoms. Call your doctor right away if you're having chest pain, breathlessness, or fatigue. If you're having trouble exercising or doing your daily activities, call your doctor right away, too. You may need to have your medicine or other treatment changed.
Take these actions to help protect yourself.
- Learn and watch for the warning signs of a heart attack. If you have any of these warning signs, take action immediately.
- Be prepared for an emergency:
- Keep a list of emergency numbers near your phone. This should include 911, or whatever number is used in your area to reach emergency medical personnel. It should also include the numbers of hospitals or medical facilities in your area. Find out which are closest to your home or office. Then figure out the fastest route to get there. If you are taking nitroglycerin, keep some with you at all times. Make sure you know when and how to take it. Wear a MedicAlert bracelet that identifies your condition. This is especially key if you take heart medicines. This will help others to help you quickly in an emergency.
- Let your family, friends, and coworkers know about your heart disease. Tell them what to do in an emergency, so they are prepared.