Navigating heart failure can feel confusing, but it’s important to know that doctors choose tests based on your unique symptoms and needs. This personalized approach helps ensure you get the most accurate diagnosis and the best possible treatment.
Blood tests help in diagnosing heart failure by checking for certain chemicals in the blood, like natriuretic peptides, which increase as heart failure advances. They can also reveal reduced kidney function and may be ordered when swelling of the legs is present.1
A cardiac MRI (magnentic resonance imaging) provides detailed images of the heart’s structure and function, helping to assess the damage to the heart muscle and how well it’s pumping. This test is particularly useful for diagnosing the cause of heart failure.2
A chest X-ray helps visualize the size and shape of the heart, which can change with heart failure. It can also show fluid buildup in the lungs, a common symptom of heart failure. This test is often ordered when experiencing shortness of breath or frequent coughing.3
This diagnostic test involves using X-ray imaging to see your heart's blood vessels. It’s essential for determining if blocked arteries are the cause of heart failure, helping guide treatment decisions.4
An echocardiogram uses sound waves to create live images of the heart, allowing doctors to see the heart beating and pumping blood. This test helps measure the size and shape of the heart and its chambers.1
While not a test, a common data point doctors use to monitor heart failure is ejection fraction. Ejection fraction is a measurement derived from the echocardiogram that indicates how much blood the left ventricle pumps out with each contraction. An ejection fraction under 50% may suggest heart failure.1
An electrocardiogram (ECG) records the electrical signals in the heart. It can detect irregular rhythms, heart muscle stress, and previous heart attacks that might lead to heart failure.2
This exercise test measures the distance someone can walk quickly on a flat, hard surface in six minutes. It assesses the capacity of cardiovascular and respiratory systems, reflecting the heart failure severity.3
During a stress test, heart function is measured under physical exertion to evaluate how well the heart performs when it needs to work harder. This test can indicate if heart failure or other conditions are affecting heart health.4
If you have questions about the tests you need or the results you’ve received, it’s important to consult your heart failure specialist. If you don’t have one and would like to find a specialist near you, visit our Heart Failure Clinic Locator page.
These materials are not intended to replace your doctor's advice or information. For any questions or concerns you may have regarding the medical procedures, devices and/or your personal health, please discuss these with your physicians.
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