Heart failure is diagnosed when structural and functional changes to the heart are suspected due to risk factors, symptoms, physical exam, and medical history. The diagnosis is confirmed with an echocardiogram (ultrasound of the heart). Laboratory tests (e.g., serum B-type natriuretic peptide) and electrocardiogram can be used to characterize the degree of heart failure. After HF is diagnosed, it is then further classified based on severity and type. The two main types, which often have different causes, are: HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), in which the heart can’t squeeze with enough force to push out all the blood, and HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), in which the heart can’t fully relax to be filled with enough blood to supply the body.[1][2]
How is heart failure diagnosed?
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•Last Updated: May 16, 2025
Heart failure is diagnosed based on suspected structural and functional changes to the heart, as confirmed through an echocardiogram, and characterized by laboratory tests and an electrocardiogram. It is then classified into 2 main types: heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF).