What is the primary diagnostic test used to evaluate suspected heart failure?

The primary diagnostic test used to evaluate suspected heart failure is an echocardiogram. This imaging technique provides valuable information about the structure and function of the heart. It allows clinicians to assess key parameters, such as the size of the heart chambers, the thickness of the heart muscle, and the functioning of the heart valves. Moreover, echocardiography can measure the ejection fraction, which is a critical indicator of the heart's pumping ability and helps differentiate between heart failure with preserved ejection fraction and reduced ejection fraction.

Echocardiograms are non-invasive and can help in diagnosing the cause of heart failure, such as previous myocardial infarction, valvular disease, or cardiomyopathy. The detailed visual representation of cardiac function plays a crucial role in guiding treatment decisions and monitoring the progression of heart failure over time.

While other imaging tests such as X-rays can show heart size and fluid accumulation, and electrocardiograms can provide information about heart rhythm and electrical activity, they do not provide the comprehensive functional details that an echocardiogram does. CT scans are generally not the first-line tests for heart failure diagnosis as they may be more appropriate for other conditions or complications related to cardiovascular diseases.