Heart Failure Diagnosis and Management

Explore the essential tests used to
diagnose and manage heart failure.

Heart Failure Diagnosis and Management

Common Tests for Diagnosing and Managing Heart Failure1

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 Test

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

Blood tests help in diagnosing heart failure

Cardiac MRI

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 cardiac MRI  is particularly useful for diagnosing the cause of heart failure

Chest X-ray

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

A chest X-ray is a common test to help diagnose heart failure
   

Coronary Angiogram

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

A coronary angiogram is an essential diagnostic test to determine what is the cause of heart failure

Echocardiogram

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

An echocardiogram is a common test to help diagnose heart failure

Ejection Fraction

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

Ejection Fraction is a common data point doctors use to monitor heart failure

Electrocardiogram

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

An electrocardiogram (ECG) can detect irregular rhythms, heart muscle stress, and more that might lead to heart failure

Six-Minute Walk Test

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

A six-minute walk test assesses the capacity of cardiovascular and respiratory systems, reflecting the heart failure severity

Stress Test

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

A stress test can indicate if heart failure or other conditions are affecting heart health

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.

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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.

 

References

  1. Mayo Clinic. (n.d.). Heart Failure Diagnosis & Treatment. www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heart-failure/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20373148
  2. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. (n.d.). Heart Failure. [NHLBI] www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/heart-failure
  3. American Heart Association. (n.d.). Heart Failure Testing and Diagnosis. [AHA] www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-failure/diagnosing-heart-failure/tests-for-heart-failure
  4. WebMD. (n.d.). Heart Failure Health Center. www.webmd.com/heart-disease/heart-failure/features/heart-failure-diagnosis

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