Do I have Heart Failure?

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of heart failure, you should visit your doctor right away. He or she will conduct a detailed medical history and physical examination to:

• Identify the presence of diseases
• Identify the presence of any condition that could cause heart failure
• Rule out other causes of your symptoms
• Determine if there is any damage to your heart
• Evaluate the pumping capacity of your heart

A series of tests is typically performed to evaluate your risk for or the presence of heart failure. These tests are typically performed as outpatient procedures in a doctor's office, clinic or hospital. Chest x-rays, echocardiograms, EKGs (Electrocardiograms) and treadmill stress tests are all common tests that may be performed.

A chest x-ray will show whether there is enlargement of the heart or any fluid around your lungs.

An echocardiogram is an ultrasound of the heart that shows its pumping action. It can be used to measure the size of the heart’s chambers and the flow of blood into and out of the heart. It is performed while a patient is lying down and the images from the ultrasound are displayed on a small TV-like monitor.

An EKG, or electrocardiogram (also known as an ECG), is a test that measures the rhythm of the heart, or its “electrical” activity. This test can determine if the heart is enlarged and whether you have had a prior heart attack. Small wires with adhesive ends are attached to areas of the body (chest, arms and legs) and the information that is transmitted is recorded on paper. It is a painless and easy procedure.

A stress test is performed while the patient is involved in an activity, like walking on a treadmill. Using similar equipment to that used in an EKG, the patient is asked to walk at different paces for different amounts of time to see if symptoms worsen or subside at different levels of exertion.

If heart disease or heart failure is present, additional testing or studies may be necessary to determine the extent to which the heart is affected. Once the diagnosis is complete, treatment options will be discussed with you and treatment will typically begin immediately.