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A Pacing-Controlled Procedure for the Assessment of Heart Rate-Dependent Diastolic Functions in Murine Heart Failure Models
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Published on: July 21, 2023

Diagnosis of heart failure in adults

Steven A Dosh1

  • 1OSF Medical Group, Escanaba, Michigan 49829, USA. doshstev@msu.edu

American Family Physician
|December 21, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Diagnosing heart failure involves a thorough evaluation including history, physical exam, and tests like electrocardiograms and echocardiograms. Prompt diagnosis and identifying underlying causes are crucial for managing this complex syndrome.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Internal Medicine
  • Clinical Syndromes

Background:

  • Heart failure is a prevalent and serious clinical syndrome associated with significant morbidity and mortality.
  • Coronary artery disease is the primary etiological factor in most heart failure cases.
  • Effective management necessitates accurate diagnosis, etiological determination, and assessment of severity.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To outline the diagnostic evaluation process for patients presenting with symptoms suggestive of heart failure.
  • To detail the recommended initial and subsequent investigations for confirming heart failure and identifying its cause.
  • To identify patient populations at high risk who may benefit from routine screening.

Main Methods:

  • Initial evaluation includes focused history, physical examination, chest radiograph, and electrocardiogram.
  • Echocardiography is key for confirming heart failure; radionuclide angiography or contrast cineangiography may be used if echocardiograms are equivocal.
  • Further investigations include complete blood count, metabolic panels, lipid profiles, urinalysis, and thyroid function tests, with additional specific tests based on clinical suspicion.

Main Results:

  • Heart failure is unlikely without dyspnea and abnormal chest radiograph or electrocardiogram findings.
  • Comprehensive laboratory testing aids in identifying contributing factors and comorbidities.
  • Certain conditions like coronary artery disease, hypertension, diabetes, and substance abuse increase heart failure risk.

Conclusions:

  • A systematic diagnostic approach is essential for confirming heart failure and guiding appropriate therapy.
  • Early identification of underlying causes and risk factors is critical for patient outcomes.
  • Routine screening may benefit individuals with specific risk factors for heart failure.

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