How is heart failure diagnosed

Table of contents:

Congestive heart failure treatment

What are the 4 stages of heart failure

How is heart failure diagnosed

Types of heart failure

Heart failure occurs when the heart is unable to properly pump blood throughout the body. It usually occurs as a result of the heart becoming too weak or stiff.

It is sometimes referred to as congestive heart failure, though this term is no longer widely used.

Heart failure does not imply that your heart has stopped pumping blood. It simply requires some assistance to function properly.

It can occur at any age, but it is most common in the elderly.

Heart failure is a chronic condition that worsens gradually over time.

It is not usually curable, but the symptoms can often be managed for many years.

If you have symptoms of heart failure, your GP should offer you some checks and a blood test to see how well your heart is working.

If your blood test shows you might have heart failure, your GP should refer you to a specialist heart failure team and you may be offered further tests.

Tests for heart failure

Tests you may have to diagnose heart failure include:blood tests – to check whether there's anything in your blood that might indicate heart failure or another illness.

an electrocardiogram (ECG) – this records the electrical activity of your heart to check for problems

an echocardiogram – a type of ultrasound scan where sound waves are used to examine your heart

breathing tests – you may be asked to blow into a tube to check whether a lung problem is contributing to your breathlessness; common tests include spirometry and a peak flow test

a chest X-ray – to check whether your heart's bigger than it should be, whether there's fluid in your lungs (a sign of heart failure), or whether a lung condition could be causing your symptoms .

Heart failure symptoms differ from person to person. They can appear suddenly or gradually over the course of weeks or months.

The primary symptoms

The following are the most common symptoms of heart failure:Breathlessness can occur after activity or at rest; it may be worse when lying down, and you may wake up in the middle of the night needing to catch your breath.

Swollen ankles and legs – this is caused by a build-up of fluid (oedema); it may be better in the morning and worse later in the day.

Symptoms that are less common

Other signs of heart failure includa persistent cough, which may be worse at night, wheezing, a bloated stomach, and weight loss

Confusion, dizziness, and fainting, as well as a rapid heart rate

a heartbeat that is pounding, fluttering, or irregular (palpitations)

Some people who have heart failure may also experience depression and anxiety.

When should you seek medical advice?

Consult your doctor if you have persistent or gradually worsening heart failure symptoms.

It's a good idea to have the symptoms checked out because they could be caused by other, less serious conditions.

If you have sudden or severe symptoms, dial 999 for an ambulance or go to your nearest accident and emergency (A&E) department as soon as possible.

This is a medical emergency that may necessitate immediate hospitalisation.

Heart failure is a long-term condition that cannot be cured for the majority of people. However, treatment can help keep symptoms under control for many years.

The following are the primary treatments:

healthy lifestyle changes medication devices implanted in your chest to control your heart rhythm surgery

In many cases, a combination of treatments will be required.

Treatment will usually need to be continued for the rest of your life.

Plan of care

If you have heart failure, you and everyone involved in your care will be given a care plan.

This should include:plans for managing your heart failure, including follow-up care, rehabilitation, and access to social care symptoms to watch for if your condition worsens ,information on how to contact your care team or specialist

The care plan should be reviewed at least every 6 months by your GP.

Having a healthy lifestyle, including eating a balanced diet, doing exercise and not smoking, can help with your symptoms and reduce your risk of becoming seriously ill.

You should be offered an exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation programme.