Chronic heart failure (update)

3.2 Algorithm summarising recommendations for the diagnosis of

heart failure

Perform an ECG in all patients.

Other recommended tests:
- chest X-ray
- blood tests: urea, creatinine, electrolytes, eGFR, full blood count, liver function
tests, thyroid function tests, fasting glucose, and fasting lipids
- urinalysis
- peak flow or spirometry
Non-HF causes of high NP: LVH, ischaemia, tachycardia, RV overload,
hypoxaemia (including pulmonary embolism), renal dysfunction (eGFR<60 ml/min),
sepsis, COPD, diabetes, age (>70 years), cirrhosis of the liver.
Factors causing low NP: Obesity and treatment with diuretics, ACEI, BB, ARB and
AA.
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