Congestive Heart Failure: Diagnosis & Tests (Heart Failure, CHF, Left-Sided Heart Failure)

News Center

Health Centers

Medical Encyclopedia

Drugs & Medications

Diseases & Conditions

Medical Symptoms

Med. Tests & Exams

Surgery & Procedures

Injuries & Wounds

Diet & Nutrition

Special Topics

$\"$alt_text\"$ ');"); } else { echo" $\"$alt_text\"$ "; } ?>

You are here : 3-RX.com > Medical Encyclopedia > Diseases and Conditions > Congestive Heart Failure: Diagnosis & Tests
Category : Health Centers > Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)

Congestive Heart Failure

Alternate Names : Heart Failure, CHF, Left-Sided Heart Failure

Congestive Heart Failure | Symptoms & Signs | Diagnosis & Tests | Prevention & Expectations | Treatment & Monitoring

How is the condition diagnosed?

The diagnosis of CHF begins with a careful medical history and physical exam. It can be confirmed by tests such as an echocardiogram. This test uses ultrasound waves to create a picture of heart muscle and valve function. Nuclear medicine scans may also be ordered. Cardiac catheterization, is a more invasive procedure that gives a view of the blood flow through the heart. Doctors may also use blood tests to diagnose and to guide treatment.

Previous section		Next section
Congestive Heart Failure: Symptoms & Signs		Congestive Heart Failure: Prevention & Expectations

Author: Bill Harrison, MD
Reviewer: Kathleen A. MacNaughton, RN, BSN
Date Reviewed: 09/05/02

$\"$alt_text\"$ ');"); } else { echo" $\"$alt_text\"$ "; } ?>