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We provide our users the most up-to-date and accurate information on the treatment and prevention of cardio pathologies in accordance with current American and European clinical guidelines.
The information provided on this website is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a licensed physician for diagnosis and treatment.
Investigation for Heart Failure
Introduction
Heart failure (HF) is a condition where the heart is unable to pump blood effectively to meet the body's needs. It can result from various causes, including coronary artery disease, hypertension, and cardiomyopathies. Diagnosing heart failure requires a systematic approach involving clinical evaluation, laboratory tests, imaging studies, and specialized diagnostic procedures.
1. Clinical Assessment
Before conducting any tests, a thorough history and physical examination are essential: - Symptoms: Shortness of breath, fatigue, swelling in the legs (edema), and rapid weight gain. - Physical Examination: Elevated jugular venous pressure, pulmonary rales, displaced apex beat, and peripheral edema.
2. Laboratory Tests
Blood tests help identify underlying causes and monitor the severity of heart failure: - B-type Natriuretic Peptide (BNP) or NT-proBNP: Elevated levels indicate heart failure. - Complete Blood Count (CBC): Detects anemia or infection. - Electrolytes and Kidney Function Tests: Assesses kidney involvement and electrolyte imbalances. - Liver Function Tests: Evaluates hepatic congestion due to heart failure. - Thyroid Function Tests: Identifies thyroid disorders that may contribute to HF.
3. Electrocardiogram (ECG)
- Detects arrhythmias, myocardial infarction, or left ventricular hypertrophy, which may indicate HF or an underlying condition.
4. Imaging Studies
- Echocardiography: Essential for assessing heart structure and function, measuring ejection fraction, and identifying valvular disease.
- Chest X-ray: Helps detect pulmonary congestion, cardiomegaly, or pleural effusion.
- Cardiac MRI: Useful for evaluating cardiomyopathies and fibrosis.
5. Additional Diagnostic Tests
- Stress Testing: Identifies ischemia or exercise-induced symptoms.
- Coronary Angiography: Performed in patients with suspected ischemic heart disease.
- Right Heart Catheterization: Measures intracardiac pressures and pulmonary artery pressures in complex cases.
Conclusion
A structured diagnostic approach focusing on clinical assessment, laboratory tests, imaging, and additional specialized investigations is essential for diagnosing heart failure accurately. Early diagnosis and appropriate management improve patient outcomes.
Source recommendations
1. American Heart Association (AHA) Guidelines for the Management of Heart Failure
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001063
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35363499/
- https://professional.heart.org/en/guidelines-and-statements
- https://www.heart.org/-/media/Files/Professional/Quality-Improvement/Get-With-the-Guidelines/Get-With-The-Guidelines-HF/HF-Awareness-Week-2023/2023New-Heart-Failure-Guidelines-Impact-on-the-Patient-Journey-The-Healthcare-Professional-Perspecti.pdf
- https://professional.heart.org/en/science-news/-/media/832EA0F4E73948848612F228F7FA2D35.ashx
2. European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Acute and Chronic Heart Failure
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Acute-and-Chronic-Heart-Failure
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34447992/
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/42/36/3599/6358045
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22611136/
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/44/37/3627/7246292
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If you or your loved ones experience any of these symptoms, you should consult a doctor in time. Remember that self-medication can be dangerous, and timely diagnosis will preserve the quality and life expectancy.
The heart is an organ that does not know how to "keep silent" if something goes wrong. Chest pain, shortness of breath, swelling, dizziness, and rhythm disturbances are the symptoms that require our attention. The best prevention of heart disease is careful attention to your health, regular checkups with a doctor, and a healthy lifestyle. Take care of your heart, and it will serve you for many years!
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