Know When to Call for Help
Some heart failure symptoms require urgent attention. Explore each list to learn which symptoms are a reason to seek immediate help.
Select each item for more information.
Call 911 for emergency help if you have:
- Chest discomfort or pain that lasts more than 15 minutes and is not relieved with rest or nitroglycerin.
- Severe, persistent shortness of breath.
- Fainted or passed out.
Emergency symptoms of heart failure
Call 911 for emergency help if you have:
- Chest discomfort or pain that lasts more than 15 minutes and is not relieved with rest or nitroglycerin.
- Severe, persistent shortness of breath.
- Fainted or passed out.
Call your healthcare professional immediately if you have any of the following symptoms:
- Increasing shortness of breath or a new shortness of breath while resting.
- Trouble sleeping due to difficulty breathing.
- A need to sleep sitting up or on more pillows than usual.
- Fast or irregular heartbeats, palpitations, or a “racing heart” that persists and makes you feel dizzy or lightheaded.
- Coughing up frothy or pink sputum.
- Feeling like you may pass out.
Urgent symptoms of heart failure
Call your healthcare professional immediately if you have any of the following symptoms:
- Increasing shortness of breath or a new shortness of breath while resting.
- Trouble sleeping due to difficulty breathing.
- A need to sleep sitting up or on more pillows than usual.
- Fast or irregular heartbeats, palpitations, or a “racing heart” that persists and makes you feel dizzy or lightheaded.
- Coughing up frothy or pink sputum.
- Feeling like you may pass out.
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