Commonly Ordered Tests in Patients with Heart Failure
- Laboratory blood work:
To check drug levels, chemistry, blood counts, etc.
- Prothrombin Time (INR):
To monitor blood thinning from warfarin (Coumadin).
- Chest X-ray:
To evaluate fluid in the lungs.
- Echocardiogram:
To evaluate how well the heart pumps and valves function.
- Exercise Stress Testing:
To evaluate coronary artery blockages.
- Cardiac Catheterization:
To evaluate coronary artery blockages, heart pressures
and blood flow to vital organs.
- Cardiopulmonary Stress Testing (VO2):
To evaluate exercise tolerance and effectiveness of medicines.
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