How is heart failure diagnosed?
When a doctor examines you, he or she may find signs that occur with heart failure. For example, an enlarged heart, a faster than normal pulse, or signs of fluid retention such as swollen ankles, an enlarged liver, or crackles in the lungs when the chest is examined. However, these signs and the symptoms mentioned above can be due to various conditions other than heart failure. Therefore, if heart failure is suspected, tests are usually done to confirm the diagnosis.
Tests advised include an electrocardiograph (ECG, sometimes called a heart tracing). A blood test to check for a substance called natriuretic peptide may be done as this tends to be raised in people with heart failure. An echocardiogram is also commonly done (an ultrasound scan of the heart). This painless test can usually confirm the presence of heart failure and assess whether it is due to left ventricular systolic dysfunction or due to another heart condition. Other tests such as a chest x-ray, a urine test, or other blood tests may also be advised to rule out other causes of the symptoms.
What is the outlook (prognosis)?
It is difficult to give an outlook (prognosis) for an individual. In general, the more severe the heart failure, the worse the outlook. In many cases, the symptoms remain at a stable level for quite some time (months or years) before becomming worse. In some cases the severity and symptoms become gradually worse over time. Severe heart failure can lead to death.
In many cases, the symptoms of heart failure can be eased with treatment. Treatment not only eases symptoms but can improve prognosis and prolong life.
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