Heart Failure

The diagnosis of heart failure is based on:

Symptoms can provide important clues to the presence of heart failure. Shortness of breath while engaging in activities and episodes of shortness of breath during sleep are classic symptoms of heart failure

The signs of heart failure can be detected in a physical examination. The doctor looks for distended or bloated neck veins, displacement of the heart pulse on the chest, and swelling in the legs & tummy. With the use of a stethoscope, the doctor can listen for crackles in the lungs which suggest fluid build-up. The doctor might press on the abdomen to check if the liver is enlarged. The skin of the fingers and toes may have a bluish tint and feel cool if not enough oxygen is reaching them.

During the diagnosis of heart failure, the doctor will usually be able to determine how serious the patient’s condition is.