Congestive Heart Failure Medical Tests & Diagnosis

Conditions & Diseases: Cardiovascular System

Congestive Heart Failure

Medical Tests & Diagnosis Methods/Tools

Different diagnostic methods used to detect congestive heart failure include:

1. Physical Examination: In a physical examination, the doctor listens for abnormal heart sounds (murmurs) that indicate the presence of a narrowed (stenotic) valve and detect fluid accumulation in the lungs. Other physical signs such as an enlarged (distended veins in the neck, swelling (edema) in the ankles, feet and abdomen are also taken note of by the physician.

2. Echocardiogram: An echocardiogram is used to produce detailed images of the heart that can be used to detect abnormalities in the structure of the heart and ejection fraction. During each contraction, about 60% of the blood is ejected from the left ventricle. Patients with an ejection fraction of about 40-45% have mildly depressed ejection fractions, with 30-40% have moderately depressed ejection fractions and those with 10–25% ejection fraction have severely depressed ejection fractions.

An echocardiogram is also used to measure the pressure change or gradient between the left ventricle and aorta to assess the thickening of walls of heart, evaluate pumping action and measure the dilation (increased diameter) of the left ventricle.

3. Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG): This noninvasive test is used to measure and record the electrical activity of the heart with the help of sensors attached to predetermined positions on the arms, legs and chest. The recorded electrical activity of the heart helps in assessing the functioning of heart.

4. Cardiac Catherization: In this method, a small amount of radioactive dye is injected into the left ventricle with the help of a catheter (a thin flexible tube) and a special camera is used to determine the quantity of dye that is ejected with every heart beat. This procedure helps in assessing the functioning of heart.

5. Nuclear Stress Test: In this test, a radioactive substance is injected into a vein and a special camera used to get the images heart during rest and immediately after exercise on a treadmill (10).

6. B-type Natriuretic Peptide (BNP): In this blood test, a hormone produced by the failing heart muscle is detected. Generally the levels of this hormone increase as the severity of heart failure worsens (5).

Article by Kona Vishnu, MS
Medical Writer,
OmniMedicalSearch.com