Diagnosing Heart Failure

In order for your health care provider to obtain a clearer picture of the condition of your heart, several medical tests may be performed.

Common tests for heart failure include:

Chest x-ray – this picture will allow the physician to determine if your heart is enlarged and if there is any fluid build-up around the heart or lungs.

Electrocardiogram (EKG) – this tracing of the heart’s electrical function includes pulse rate, heart rhythm and detailed information about the heart’s electrical conduction pathways.

Echocardiogram (Echo) – this test is performed by placing an instrument on the outside of the chest to collect sound waves and then create a picture of the structures of the heart. Detailed information about the heart’s wall thickness, chamber size, valve function and ventricular wall motion are collected.

Exercise Stress Test – this test involves collecting data about the heart’s response to exercise. The patient exercises on a treadmill or bike while EKG, pulse rate, blood pressure, (sometimes) maximal oxygen consumption, and other clinical signs and symptoms are monitored. This test helps the physician to understand if the heart is able to compensate for the body’s increased requirement of blood and oxygen when physical work or activity is performed.

Multigated Ventriculogram (MUGA) – this test involves combining a small amount of the patient’s blood with a radioactive tracer and then injecting this combination into the blood stream. Pictures are taken after the tracer is injected. This shows the physician the left ventricle’s ability to eject blood effectively.