Heart Failure
Alternate Names : CHF, Congestive Heart Failure
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Heart Failure Diagnosis & Tests
A physical examination may reveal either an irregular or a rapid heartbeat. There may be distended neck veins, enlarged liver, peripheral edema (swelling of the limbs), and signs of pleural effusion (fluid around the lungs).
Listening to the chest with a stethoscope (auscultation) may reveal lung crackles or abnormal heart sounds. Blood pressure may be normal, elevated or low.
Enlargement of the heart or decreased heart functioning may be seen on several tests, including the following: This disease may also alter the following test results: If excessive fluid has accumulated around the sac surroundig the heart (pericardium), you may need to have the fluid removed through a pericardiocentesis.
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