[contentuser]

CHF Diagnosis

When symptoms suggest congestive heart failure, the diagnosis usually is confirmed by physical examination, patient history, and various tests to detect abnormal function of the left ventricle and/or heart valves.

During physical examination, the physician looks for an underlying cause and assesses heart function. A stethoscope is used to detect abnormal heart sounds (murmurs) that may indicate a leaky or narrowed (stenotic) valve, and to detect fluid accumulation in the lu...Read the full article