Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a type of heart condition in which your heart is incapable of sending enough blood to your body. According to the Mayo Clinic, physical manifestations of CHF include shortness of breath, especially when you lie down; stomach swelling (ascites); a rapid heartbeat; lower-extremity swelling; chest pain and continual coughing. There are tests to diagnose CHF.
Electrocardiogram and Echocardiogram
According to the Mayo Clinic, an electrocardiogram and echocardiogram can help diagnose congestive heart failure. An electrocardiogram (EKG) involves applying electrodes to different areas of your chest and measuring the electrical activity of your heart rate. This activity is recorded on paper, and your doctor can interpret its rhythm to determine whether your condition is, indeed, CHF.
An echocardiogram is basically an ultrasound of your heart. An ultrasound is a visual image of your heart utilizing sound waves. According to the Mayo Clinic, your doctor will be able to determine whether you suffer from systolic or diastolic heart failure. Systolic heart failure occurs when your heart cannot contract enough blood and send it out to your body. A diastolic heart failure refers to the inability of your blood to fill with blood because it is stiff. During an echocardiogram, your doctor will also measure your heart's ejection fraction. Ejection fraction refers to the percentage of blood that your heart pumps. Typically, a normal heart has an ejection fraction greater than 55 percent, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Blood Tests and Chest X-ray
Your doctor can also obtain a blood sample to check the levels of your brain naturietic peptide (BNP). BNP is a hormone made in your heart, and it is increased when your heart is in failure. Your physician can simply obtain a chest x-ray to check the appearance of your heart. Your heart will appear large (cardiomegaly), and an accumulation of fluid will be visible on chest x-ray, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Heart Catheterization
MedlinePlus indicates that heart catheterization is also another test used to diagnose congestive heart failure. Heart catheterization, medically known as coronary angiography, involves injecting dye into the blood vessels of your heart and visualizing them via x-rays. This diagnostic test can reveal if you have any blocked arteries. A blockage of arteries may be to blame for causing your congestive heart failure.
Other Tests
The stress test, a computerized tomography (CT) scan and a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan are other tests used to diagnose congestive heart failure. A stress test involves walking or running on a treadmill while being attached to an electrocardiogram. Medications can be given to stress your heart if you are unable to exercise. This test, like heart catheterization, can help determine whether you have a blocked blood vessel in your heart. Both the CT and MRI create detailed images of your heart. Your doctors can study them and determine whether you suffer from CHF.
