▶ Video 3: Heart failure diagnosis

Find out more about the diagnosis of heart failure through this bitesize learning video, one in a series on the condition.

This independent video learning series on heart failure is funded by the Boehringer Ingelheim and Lilly Alliance. The BI Lilly Alliance had no influence over the content.

Summary: This bitesize learning video will cover the diagnosis of heart failure, including testing and scanning.

Presenter: Delyth Rucarean, advanced heart failure nurse practitioner, Swansea Bay University Health Board.

The video will seek to answer the following questions:
• Does my patient have heart failure? An overview of signs and tests
• What to look out for in a patient and how to refer for specialist diagnosis and management
• What tests might be used to confirm a diagnosis of heart failure? For example, blood tests, ECG, echocardiogram, breathing tests and chest X-ray
• What are the key differences between diagnosing heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF)?
• What are the key forms and process that need to be followed?

The full series:

Visit the Nursing Times clinical zone on cardiovascular disease

This independent video learning series on heart failure is funded by the Boehringer Ingelheim and Lilly Alliance. The BI Lilly Alliance had no influence over the content, selection of presenter or editorial control.

References and resources:

• McDonagh T (2021) ESC Guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic heart failure. European Heart Journal; 42: 36, 3599-3726.
• National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (2014, updated 2021) Acute heart failure: diagnosis and management. NICE [CG187].
• National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (2018) Chronic heart failure in adults: diagnosis and management. NICE [NG106].
• The National Institute for Cardiovascular Outcomes (2022) National Heart Failure Audit. NIFOR.
• National Confidential Enquiry into Patient Outcome and Death (2018) Acute Heart Failure: Failure to Function. NCEPOD.
• Welsh Heart Failure Expert Reference Group (2021) Heart Failure in Wales – A Parallel Approach. WHFRG.