Physical examination for heart failure & bull; hello healthy

Definition

What is a physical exam for heart failure?

Although heart failure is a common disease in the elderly, the diagnosis is often overlooked. Medical history is an important thing to know. In addition to the symptoms of heart failure, you should also know about some of the symptoms that refer to certain syndromes, for example coronary artery disease (coronary heart disease), hypertension, or valvular heart disease (heart valve disease). It is very important to know if the patient has had previous heart problems, such as myocardial infarction.

The first step taken to diagnose heart failure is to detail your medical history. This medical history includes your past or current medical conditions. A patient's blood pressure and heart rate should be recorded properly. The blood pressure that appears can be high, normal, and low. The prognosis is unfavorable for patients whose blood pressure is low from 90 to 100 mm while on treatment (angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor beta blockers or duretics).

When should I have a physical exam for heart failure?

Heart failure checks are needed if chest pain occurs. A physical exam is a routine check for heart problems.

Precautions & warnings

What should I know before undergoing a physical exam for heart failure?

Diagnosing heart failure early is the best thing to do to prevent myocardial dysfunction and clinical deterioration. However, the initial diagnosis is rather difficult because heart failure can occur when no symptoms appear until pulmonary edema occurs with cardiogenic shock. It is estimated that heart failure can be diagnosed precisely when 50% of symptoms occur in patients. A systematic approach can affect the accuracy of the diagnosis.

Process

What should I do before undergoing a physical exam for heart failure?

You should tell your doctor about your medical history (diagonists and medications) in detail and completely. Even though the disease has been cured and you think it is not important, it will help your doctor to diagnose low back pain. This medical history is also very helpful for your doctor in deciding which treatment is right for you. In addition to your medical history, you should also tell your doctor what medications you have been taking. If you can, bring a complete list of these drugs and their dosages.

How is the physical examination process for heart failure?

In addition to any medical conditions you have or are currently experiencing, your doctor may want to know the factors that cause heart failure to happen to you. Coronary artery disease (CAD) can cause heart failure, so other things that cause CAD to occur are also factors that trigger heart failure, such as you are a man, smoking habits, have diabetes, high cholesterol (LDL cholesterol), high blood pressure. , and the elderly.

During the health and physical examination, the doctor will ask about some of the symptoms you are experiencing (such as difficulty breathing, swelling, and coughing), any pain you have or are currently having (such as heart attack, illness caused by viruses, high blood pressure, and diabetes) , the physical activities you do, breathe, eat, sleep, and other routine activities.

The following are the stages of a physical examination that is commonly done to detect heart failure:

• measure pulse and blood pressure
• check the veins in the neck, for swelling or high blood pressure in the vessels that return blood to the heart. This swelling indicates that the right heart is failing to function or worse, the left heart is also failing to function
• check breathing (in the lungs)
• check your heart rate, for any sounds other than a heartbeat (murmur)
• Check for swelling in the abdomen due to fluid buildup or pain in the liver
• check the feet and ankles for fluid swelling (edema)
• measure weight

What should I do after undergoing a physical exam for heart failure?

The doctor will explain your health condition and provide the appropriate treatment. Sometimes, the doctor will give other tests. Follow the directions given by your doctor. If the results of the physical exam and medical history indicate heart failure, you should do an X-ray of the chest. Echocardiogram and electrocardiography to evaluate the size, shape, and function of the heart, as well as to detect fluid buildup.

Explanation of the Test Results

What do my test results mean?

Normal result:

Normal heart and lung sounds, normal blood pressure, and no symptoms of fluid buildup or swelling of the neck veins.

You may need other examinations or tests to determine other causes of your symptoms.

Results that indicate heart failure:

• high blood pressure (140/90 mm Hg or more) or low blood pressure. Low blood pressure can be a symptom of heart failure before the late stages
• unusual heartbeat (cardiac arrhythmia)
• another beating sound is heard from the heart (indicating abnormal movement). It could be a sound that comes from a murmur
• normal impulses felt in the heart no longer felt in the heart and chest wall, this indicates an enlarged heart
• swelling of the arteries causing blood to return to the right ventricle.
• you hear other sounds from the lungs that are not normal, possibly due to a build-up of fluid. Usually doctors use a stethoscope to detect it
• swelling of the liver or the right side of the stomach resulting in loss of appetite or flatulence
• swelling of your thighs, knees, and feet when you lie down. However, this can also be caused by other factors. As the heart gets worse, this fluid buildup will not go away

In some people, the early symptoms of heart failure may not occur.