You have a condition called heart failure. To assess your condition, your doctor will examine you, ask questions, and do some tests. Along with looking for signs of heart failure, the doctor looks for any other health problems that may have led to heart failure. The results of your evaluation will help your doctor form a treatment plan.

Your visit will start with a review of your health history. Tell the doctor about any symptoms you have and about all medicines you take. Then you'll have a physical exam. Your doctor will listen to your heartbeat and your breathing. You'll also be checked for swelling (edema) in your legs and neck. Heart failure can cause fluid to build up in your lungs and other parts of your body.

These tests may be done to diagnose heart failure:

• X-rays. These imaging tests show the size and shape of your heart. The pictures can also show fluid in your lungs.
• An electrocardiogram (ECG). This shows the pattern of your heartbeat. Small pads (electrodes) are placed on your chest, arms, and legs. Wires connect the pads to the ECG machine. The ECG records your heart's electrical signals. This can give the doctor information about heart function and electrical activity in the heart.
• An echocardiogram. This uses ultrasound waves to show the structure and movement of your heart muscle. This shows how well the heart pumps. It also shows the thickness of the heart walls, and if the heart is enlarged. It's one of the most useful, noninvasive tests, as it gives information about the heart's general function. This helps your doctor make treatment decisions.
• Lab tests. These check small amounts of blood or urine for signs of problems. A BNP (B-type natriuretic peptide) lab test can help diagnose and evaluate heart failure. The ventricles secrete more BNP when heart failure gets worse. Lab tests can also give information about other heart problems or other illnesses, such as diabetes, anemia, or kidney disease.

Based on the results of your assessment and tests, your doctor will make a treatment plan. This plan aims to ease some of your symptoms and help make you more comfortable. Your treatment plan may include:

• Medicine to help your heart work better and improve your quality of life
• Changes in what you eat and drink to help prevent fluid backup in your body
• Weighing yourself daily and watching your symptoms to see how well your treatment is working
• Exercise to help you stay healthy
• Help to stop smoking
• Support to help adjust to the changes
• Referrals to other specialists