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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.
Lab Tests for Heart Failure
Introduction
Heart failure (HF) is a condition in which the heart is unable to pump blood effectively, leading to symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue, and fluid retention. Diagnosing heart failure requires a combination of clinical evaluation, imaging, and laboratory tests.
Key Laboratory Tests
To confirm heart failure and assess its severity, doctors rely on several blood tests:
1. B-type Natriuretic Peptide (BNP) and N-terminal proBNP (NT-proBNP)
- BNP and NT-proBNP are hormones released by the heart in response to increased pressure.
- High levels suggest heart failure, while normal levels make heart failure unlikely.
- NT-proBNP has age-specific cutoffs for diagnosis.
2. Complete Blood Count (CBC)
- Checks for anemia, which can worsen heart failure symptoms.
- Detects infection or other abnormalities that might contribute to HF.
3. Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP)
- Evaluates kidney and liver function, as these organs can be affected by heart failure.
- Includes electrolytes such as sodium and potassium, which can be imbalanced due to HF or medications.
4. Thyroid Function Tests (TFTs)
- Both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism can contribute to heart disease.
- Abnormal thyroid levels may worsen or mimic heart failure symptoms.
5. Lipid Panel
- Assesses cholesterol levels, which are relevant for cardiovascular health.
- High cholesterol increases the risk of heart disease and worsening heart failure.
6. Troponin Levels
- Helps differentiate between heart failure and an acute heart attack.
- Chronic heart failure may present with mildly elevated troponin levels due to ongoing heart strain.
7. Iron Studies (Ferritin, Transferrin Saturation)
- Checks for iron deficiency, which is common in HF and can contribute to fatigue and poor exercise tolerance.
8. C-Reactive Protein (CRP) and Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR)
- Markers of inflammation that may indicate underlying conditions worsening HF, such as infections or autoimmune diseases.
9. Blood Gas Analysis (in severe cases)
- Measures oxygen and carbon dioxide levels, which helps assess respiratory function, especially in patients with pulmonary congestion.
Conclusion
Lab tests play a crucial role in diagnosing, monitoring, and managing heart failure. While BNP and NT-proBNP are the most specific for HF diagnosis, other tests help identify contributing factors and guide treatment strategies.
References to Clinical Guidelines
For further reading, consult the following guidelines:
Source recommendations
1. American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association (ACC/AHA) Heart Failure Guidelines
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001063
- https://www.acc.org/Guidelines
- https://www.jacc.org/doi/10.1016/j.jacc.2023.12.024
- https://www.acc.org/education-and-meetings/products-and-resources/features/global-cv-institute/heart-failure-guidelines
- https://professional.heart.org/en/science-news/-/media/832EA0F4E73948848612F228F7FA2D35.ashx
2. European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Heart Failure Guidelines
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Acute-and-Chronic-Heart-Failure
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/42/36/3599/6358045
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Focused-Update-on-Heart-Failure-Guidelines
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/44/37/3627/7246292
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines
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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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