Which examinations are useful in case of suspicion of heart failure?
March 25, 2023 | 35,00 EUR | answered by Babette Kleine
Dear doctor,
My name is Benjamin Otremka and I am reaching out to you because I have been experiencing various symptoms for some time now that could potentially indicate heart failure. Lately, I have been experiencing increased shortness of breath, especially during physical exertion, as well as severe fatigue and dizziness. Additionally, I have noticed water retention in my legs. These symptoms are concerning to me and significantly affect my quality of life.
I am 55 years old, do not smoke, drink alcohol moderately, and regularly engage in physical activity. There are no known heart conditions in my family. My father passed away from a stroke, and my mother has type 2 diabetes.
Based on my symptoms and family history, I am concerned that heart failure may be the cause of my issues. Therefore, I would like to know which tests would be advisable in such a case to diagnose a potential heart failure. I would like to gain early clarity about my health situation and, if necessary, start an appropriate treatment.
Thank you in advance for your help and expertise.
Sincerely,
Benjamin Otremka
Dear Mr. Otremka,
Thank you for your detailed description of your symptoms and your family history. It is understandable that you are concerned about a possible heart failure and would like clarity about your health situation. I will now explain to you which tests are advisable in such a case to diagnose a possible heart failure.
When there is suspicion of heart failure, various tests are necessary to confirm the diagnosis. Initially, a thorough medical history will be taken, including your symptoms, family history, and any potential risk factors for heart disease. This will be followed by a physical examination, including measurements of your blood pressure, heart rate, and weight.
To diagnose heart failure, various laboratory tests are usually required. These may include blood tests to assess kidney function, electrolyte levels, and various blood values. Additionally, specific blood tests such as NT-proBNP may be used to provide clues about heart failure.
An important test for diagnosing heart failure is an echocardiogram, also known as a heart ultrasound. This test allows for a detailed assessment of the structure and function of your heart to identify potential causes of your symptoms. Depending on the need, further imaging procedures such as an MRI or a nuclear scan of the heart may also be performed.
In addition, stress tests such as a stress ECG or a spirometry may be useful to assess the performance of your heart and lungs. In some cases, a cardiac catheterization may be necessary to evaluate the blood flow in the coronary arteries.
It is important that you promptly seek examination by a specialist in cardiology to clarify your symptoms and, if necessary, initiate appropriate treatment. The earlier heart failure is diagnosed, the better potential complications can be avoided and quality of life can be improved.
I hope that this information has been helpful to you. If you have any further questions or would like to schedule an appointment for examination, I am at your disposal.
Sincerely,
Babette Kleine, Specialist in Internal Medicine
