What tests will I need to diagnose acute heart failure?

What tests will I need to diagnose acute heart failure?

Healthcare providers use a variety of tests to assess your symptoms, such as:

• Electrocardiogram (EKG) to record and assess the heart’s electrical activity.
• Chest X-ray to check for fluid build-up in the heart or lungs.
• Echocardiogram to show heart movement and blood flow.
• Angiography or heart catheterization to examine the heart’s blood vessels.

You may also need lab tests that include:

• BNP (biomarker) blood test to check for hormones that occur when pressures change inside the heart.
• Basic metabolic panel which shows signs of kidney or thyroid issues.