Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) measurement has gained attention because it can be done using a blood test.
It can be used with an EKG and an echo to piece together a diagnosis of heart failure.
Your weight and blood pressure will be checked.
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Normally, you should have apattern of two heart soundswith every heartbeat.
If you have edema, the practitioner may also check for pitting.
They may look to see if there isclubbing in your fingersor if your nails are pale.
Get our printable guide for your next doctor’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.
If you initially saw your primary care doctor, you might get a referral to acardiologistfor further testing.
Get our printable guide for your next doctor’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.
Several options may be considered.
Your echo can provide a great deal of information about your heart function.
Stress Test
Astress testuses controlled exercise to uncover cardiac problems that may be brought out by exertion.
It is particularly useful in evaluating angina (chest pain) due to coronary artery disease.
Your healthcare provider may consider a stress test if you have symptoms that are worse with exertion.
Most of the time, there are diagnostic tests that can differentiate between these conditions and heart failure.
However, the diagnosis can become more complicated if you have heart failure as well as another medical condition.
COPD also causes wheezing and a cough that usually is associated with mucus.
COPD generally is resulting from smoking and requires treatment with oxygen in late stages.
However, diagnostic testing is usually required to make the correct diagnosis.
Heart failure is a chronic condition in which the heart loses the ability to pump blood properly.
Having a heart attack can lead to heart failure.
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