How Will I Know if I Have Congestive Heart Failure?

A doctor can often tell from a physical exam that a person has CHF. They will see swelling in the legs and feet, and can hear fluid in the lungs with a stethoscope. Other tests may also be done:

1. Echocardiogram

2. Chest x-ray

3. Cardiac catheterization

4. Nuclear scans of the heart

5. Exercise stress test

6. Electrocardiogram (EKG)

How Will My Doctor Treat Me?

The best treatment is to prevent heart disease and heart failure in the first place.

The treatment usually involves the following:
• Rest

• Reduction of sodium (salt) in the diet

• Water pills to help the body get rid of fluid

• Heart medicines
(like digoxin/lanoxin and medicines that dilate the blood vessels)