When should I call 911?

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When should I call 911?

Atrial fibrillation can cause serious medical complications. So, it’s essential to learn the warning signs and to share them with your family and friends. In many cases, we need someone else to call 911 for us. Immediately call 911 (or your local emergency services) if you have the following symptoms or if you notice them in someone around you:

Signs of bleeding

  • Bright red blood in your vomit, stool, or urine.
  • Severe pain in your head or abdomen.
  • Drastic vision changes.
  • Difficulty moving your legs or arms.
  • Memory loss.

These are signs of bleeding in your brain, digestive system, or urinary tract. Many people with Afib need to take blood-thinning medications to lower the risk of Afib-related stroke. This medication is essential. But taking too high a dose can cause bleeding in your body.

Heart attack symptoms

  • Pain, discomfort or pressure in the center of your chest or upper abdomen (it could come and go, or persist).
  • A feeling of squeezing, fullness, heartburn or indigestion.
  • Pain down your left arm.

People assigned female at birth may also have:

  • Nausea and vomiting.
  • Shortness of breath.
  • Excessive tiredness.
  • Pain in the back, shoulders or jaw.

Stroke symptoms

  • Sudden numbness or weakness on one side of your body.
  • Confusion or trouble speaking or understanding others.
  • Difficulty seeing in one or both of your eyes.
  • Trouble walking.
  • Feeling dizzy or off-balance.
  • Sudden headache for no reason.

These are signs you may be having a stroke. Learn how to recognize these symptoms in yourself or others so you can act quickly. Every minute counts.

Signs of cardiac arrest

  • Chest pain (angina).
  • Shortness of breath.
  • Nausea and vomiting.
  • Feeling dizzy or lightheaded.

These symptoms can happen within an hour before having a cardiac arrest. In some cases, these symptoms might not appear at all, and a person could simply faint. If you or a loved one have Afib, it’s a good idea to talk with your healthcare provider about how to get help in medical emergencies. For those who live alone or spend lots of time alone, there may be no one home to call for help. Medical alert devices may be a life-saving resource.

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