Patient Education

Heart Failure - Frequently Asked Questions

Diagnosing Congestive Heart Failure

After asking you about your symptoms and examining your neck,
heart, lungs, abdomen, and legs, your doctor will usually be able to
tell if you have CHF. Often a chest x-ray will confirm the diagnosis
and determine the extent of fluid build-up in your lungs.

Your doctor may recommend additional tests to measure your heart
function and to determine the cause of your CHF. Commonly used
heart tests include:

• Electrocardiogram (EKG/ECG)
This is helpful in determining whether you have had a heart
attack or if there is a problem with your heart rhythm.

• Echocardiogram (Echo)
This sound-wave picture of your heart gives information about
how well your heart muscle is pumping and whether you have a
problem with any of your heart valves.

• Holter Internal Monitor Recording
This is a special monitoring device that you wear on your chest
to record changes in the regularity of your heartbeat.

• Stress Tests
Stress tests are most commonly used to see if there is blockage in
the arteries (blood vessels) supplying blood to your heart. Each
stress test is designed to see how your heart responds to exercise
or other activities. Following a stress test, your doctor may order
an echocardiogram or a scan of the heart. One type of stress test
involves walking on a treadmill for a period of time while your
heart rhythm is being monitored.

• Cardiac Catheterization (angiogram, arteriogram or cath)
A cardiac catheterization may be needed to get important
information about your heart that cannot be obtained in any
other way. During cardiac catheterization, a small plastic tube is
passed into the heart. This test is usually done to see if there are
any blockages in the arteries supplying blood to your heart. It
also provides information about heart function and heart valves,
and helps your doctor decide on the best treatment for your heart
condition.

• Other Tests
There are a variety of other tests, such as RVG and MUGA
(nuclear medicine scans). In these tests, an injection is given into
your arm vein. Then special x-rays are taken to measure
precisely how well your heart muscle is pumping.

Your healthcare provider can provide additional information
and can answer any questions about these and other tests that
may be ordered.

Download "Congestive Heart Failure: A Patient's Guide" (pdf) - 552 KB

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