No single blood test confirms heart failure alone, but elevated BNP (B-type natriuretic peptide) or NT-proBNP levels strongly suggest it, indicating heart strain, while other tests (like Troponin for damage, kidney/liver function, CBC, electrolytes) help assess severity and rule out other causes, with an echocardiogram (ultrasound) often needed for definitive diagnosis.
BNP (B-type natriuretic peptides) tests – show the level of a hormone in your blood, which if elevated, can be a sign of heart failure.
The blood can give many clues about heart health. For one, high levels of "bad" cholesterol in the blood can be a sign of higher risk of having a heart attack. And other substances in the blood can point to heart failure or the risk of getting fatty deposits, called plaques, in the arteries.
Blood tests can be used to measure substances like brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) or N-terminal pro b-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), which are elevated in CHF. These markers indicate the severity of heart failure. This is a non-invasive test that assesses the heart's function during physical exertion.
BNP levels over 100 pg/mL and NT-proBNP levels over 900 pg/mL may be signs of heart failure. Your healthcare provider will need to do other tests to confirm the diagnosis. In general, the higher the level, the more serious heart failure may be.
Shortness of breath with activity or when lying down. Fatigue and weakness. Swelling in the legs, ankles and feet. Rapid or irregular heartbeat.
Therefore, natriuretic peptides are the best markers to assess patients with suspected acute heart failure.
Symptoms of heart failure may include:
Historically, kidney function was primarily assessed by serum creatinine and the calculation of estimated glomerular filtration rate. An increase in serum creatinine, also termed worsening renal function, commonly occurs in patients with heart failure, especially during acute heart failure episodes.
Many people first realize their heart failure is getting worse when they notice gaining more than two or three pounds in a day or more than five pounds in a week. This gain may be due to retaining fluids since the heart is not working properly.
Call your local emergency number if you suddenly experience chest pain, pressure, heaviness or discomfort, fainting or shortness of breath. You may want to ask your healthcare provider: What kind of heart disease do I have?
Heart palpitations, which feel as if your heart is racing or throbbing. To make up for the loss in pumping capacity, the heart beats faster. Sudden weight gain or loss can be a sign that you're developing heart failure or that your heart failure is getting worse.
Limitations and changes to your life that come with heart failure can be tough — physically and emotionally. Feeling emotions such as stress, anger, loss of control, anxiety and depression with heart failure can take people by surprise. But they're natural and common emotions to have.
While blood tests help your healthcare provider better understand your heart disease risk, they're not a definitive diagnosis. If your blood test results show you have an increased risk, your provider may recommend further testing. Talk to your provider about any questions or concerns you have throughout this process.
The 2017 American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association/Heart Failure Society of America guidelines for the management of HF recommend a BP goal of <130/80 mm Hg (2).
blood tests – to check whether there's anything in your blood that might indicate heart failure or another illness. an electrocardiogram (ECG) – this records the electrical activity of your heart to check for problems. an echocardiogram – a type of ultrasound scan where sound waves are used to examine your heart.
A high BUN to creatinine ratio may result from conditions that decrease blood flow to the kidneys, such as congestive heart failure or dehydration. BUN to creatinine ratios can also increase with both age and reduced muscle mass.
Creatinine kinase (CK).
This enzyme can also be measured several times over a 24-hour period. It will often at least double if you've had a heart attack. But because levels of CK can go up in many other conditions besides a heart attack, it is not very specific.
Congestive heart failure symptoms include: Shortness of breath. Waking up short of breath at night. Chest pain.
Tests may include physical exams, blood tests, chest X-rays, EKGs, echocardiograms, exercise stress tests, MUGA scans, cardiac catheterization and cardiac MRI.
Your provider may order blood tests to check the levels of certain molecules, such as brain natriuretic peptide (BNP). These levels rise during heart failure.
Blood Tests
Your doctor may recommend a blood test to check for B-type natriuretic peptide, a protein that the heart secretes to keep blood pressure stable. These levels increase with heart failure. A blood test may also be performed to look for substances that are associated with heart and lung damage.
ACE inhibitors
Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors work by relaxing and opening up your blood vessels, which makes it easier for your heart to pump blood around the body. Examples of ACE inhibitors include ramipril, captopril, enalapril, lisinopril and perindopril.
A stress test can show changes with blood flow within the heart. A stress test usually involves walking on a treadmill or riding a stationary bike. A healthcare professional watches your heartbeat, blood pressure and breathing during the test.