Diagnosis of Heart Failure

Blood Tests- blood tests can measure several things related to heart failure, such as sodium and potassium levels (electrolytes), creatinine (a measure of kidney function), albumin (a type of protein) and other tests to aid in the diagnosis of heart failure.

Cardiac MRI- or cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI); a test that uses a strong magnetic field and radiofrequencies to image the heart, blood vessels and assess the function of the heart.

Cardiac Stress Test - or exercise stress test; a non-invasive test utilizing exercise equipment (treadmill or stationary bike) or medication to show how the heart works during physical activity. It provides information about heart function and blood flow through the heart. It can reveal blockages in the arteries of the heart, allowing for early detection and treatment.

Cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET)- a specialized type of stress test that measures the body’s exercise ability. This helps to assess the severity of heart failure.

Chest X-ray- provides a picture of the lungs, heart, and surrounding structures. It can show whether there is fluid in the lungs from heart failure or if the heart is enlarged.

Echocardiogram- a test that uses ultrasound to provide images of the heart. This common test is used to assess the anatomy and function of the heart, heart structure, heart valves and more.

• 3D echo – uses transthoracic echo (TTE) technology, as well as transesophageal (TEE) technology in conjunctions the use of multiple sensors and sonogram technology to look at the heart from all directions, see the complex anatomy of the heart and measure how well the heart is working.
• Doppler echo – uses transthoracic echo (TTE) technology, as well as transesophageal (TEE) technology in conjunctions with color flow, which creates a portion of waves, color pictures and audio signals to show the direction and speed of blood flow through the chambers and valves of the heart.
• Stress echo – uses sound waves to examine the heart chamber while you exercise on a treadmill or stationary bicycle or with the use of medicines to stimulate the heart.  This test can be used to visualize the motion of the heart’s walls and pumping action when the heart is stressed.
• Transesophageal echocardiogram (TTE) is considered an invasive procedure.  Under sedation, a small probe is placed in the esophagus.  Sound waves are sent into your heart, then reflected and converted by a computer into pictures on a screen.  Because the esophagus is so close to the heart, very clear images can be obtained.
• Transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) is a non-invasive procedure that evaluates the valves and chambers of your heart using sound waves to create clear images of your heart.

Electrocardiogram - or ECG; records the electrical activity of the heart, as well as the heart rate and rhythm. It is a non-invasive test that can help diagnose many heart problems.

An encounter with a healthcare provider to gather information about a patient to aid in their care and management of disease. Vital signs, such as blood pressure and heart rate, are measured. The healthcare provider will also examine the patient. They will ask about family history and medical history, including cardiac problems, lifestyle, medications and discuss current symptoms.