Question 1

What is Heart Failure?

Accepted Answer

Heart failure is a serious condition where the heart cannot pump blood effectively to meet the body's needs. It is caused by damage to the heart muscle from conditions like coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, or previous heart attacks that weaken the heart's pumping ability. The B-Type Natriuretic Peptide (BNP) test is the most important test for diagnosing heart failure because elevated BNP levels directly indicate heart muscle stress and disease severity.

Question 2

What causes heart failure?

Accepted Answer

Heart failure is caused by damage to the heart muscle that weakens its ability to pump blood effectively throughout the body. The most common causes include coronary artery disease, which restricts blood flow to the heart muscle, high blood pressure that forces the heart to work harder over time, and previous heart attacks that damage heart tissue. Other contributing factors include heart valve disease, cardiomyopathy, congenital heart defects, and certain chronic conditions like diabetes and obesity that put extra strain on the cardiovascular system.

Question 3

What is the best test for heart failure?

Accepted Answer

The B-Type Natriuretic Peptide (BNP) test is the most important blood test for diagnosing heart failure because it measures a hormone that the heart releases specifically in response to increased pressure and stress on the heart muscle. Elevated BNP levels directly correlate with the presence and severity of heart failure, with higher levels indicating more advanced disease. Additional supporting tests include the Urea Nitrogen (BUN) test to monitor kidney function affected by reduced blood flow, the Lactic Acid test to assess tissue oxygenation, and the AST test to evaluate heart muscle damage. These tests work together to provide a comprehensive picture of heart health and help guide treatment decisions.

Question 4

When should I get tested for heart failure?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you experience persistent shortness of breath, especially when lying down or during physical activity, unexplained fatigue that limits your daily activities, or sudden weight gain with swelling in your legs, ankles, or abdomen. Other warning signs include a rapid or irregular heartbeat, persistent coughing or wheezing with white or pink-tinged mucus, and difficulty concentrating or decreased alertness. Testing is especially important if you have risk factors like high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, diabetes, or a family history of heart disease.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of heart failure?

Accepted Answer

Heart failure symptoms develop when the heart cannot pump enough blood to meet the body's oxygen and nutrient needs. The most common symptom is shortness of breath during activity or when lying flat, often causing you to wake up gasping for air at night. You might experience persistent fatigue and weakness that makes everyday tasks exhausting, along with swelling in your legs, ankles, feet, or abdomen from fluid buildup. Other symptoms include rapid or irregular heartbeat, reduced ability to exercise, persistent cough with white or pink-tinged phlegm, increased urination at night, difficulty concentrating, chest pain if heart failure is caused by a heart attack, and sudden weight gain from fluid retention.

Question 6

Who is at risk for heart failure?

Accepted Answer

People with coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, or a history of heart attacks face the highest risk of developing heart failure because these conditions damage the heart muscle over time. Diabetes significantly increases risk by affecting blood vessels and heart function, while obesity puts extra strain on the cardiovascular system. Other risk factors include heart valve disease, cardiomyopathy, congenital heart defects, viral infections of the heart muscle, and sleep apnea. Lifestyle factors like smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and physical inactivity also elevate risk, as do certain cancer treatments and medications that can damage the heart. Age is another factor, as heart failure becomes more common after age 65.

Question 7

What happens if heart failure is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Untreated heart failure progressively worsens and can lead to life-threatening complications as the heart becomes increasingly unable to pump blood effectively. Your kidneys may fail due to inadequate blood flow, leading to dangerous fluid and waste buildup in your body. Liver damage can occur from blood backing up into the liver, causing scarring and dysfunction. Heart valve problems worsen as the heart enlarges, and dangerous heart rhythm abnormalities develop that can cause sudden cardiac arrest. Fluid can accumulate in your lungs making breathing extremely difficult, and blood clots may form in the heart chambers, increasing stroke risk. The condition significantly reduces quality of life and life expectancy without proper medical management.

Question 8

Can heart failure be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Blood tests play an essential role in diagnosing heart failure, with the B-Type Natriuretic Peptide (BNP) test serving as the primary blood marker that indicates heart muscle stress and elevated heart pressure. While blood tests alone cannot provide a complete diagnosis, elevated BNP levels strongly suggest heart failure and help determine its severity. Additional blood tests assess complications and contributing factors, including kidney function tests like BUN and creatinine, liver enzymes, complete blood count, thyroid function, and metabolic panels. Healthcare providers combine blood test results with physical examination, medical history, imaging tests like echocardiograms and chest X-rays, and electrocardiograms to confirm the diagnosis and develop an appropriate treatment plan.

Question 9

How is heart failure treated?

Accepted Answer

Heart failure treatment focuses on improving heart function, managing symptoms, and preventing disease progression through a combination of medications, lifestyle changes, and sometimes procedures or devices. Common medications include ACE inhibitors or ARBs to relax blood vessels, beta-blockers to slow heart rate and reduce blood pressure, diuretics to eliminate excess fluid, aldosterone antagonists to prevent fluid retention, and SGLT2 inhibitors to improve heart function. Lifestyle modifications are crucial, including limiting sodium intake to reduce fluid retention, monitoring daily weight, restricting fluid intake if recommended, regular moderate exercise, avoiding alcohol and tobacco, and managing stress. In advanced cases, treatments may include implantable devices like pacemakers or defibrillators, ventricular assist devices, or heart transplantation.

Question 10

How can I prevent heart failure?

Accepted Answer

Preventing heart failure requires managing the underlying conditions and risk factors that damage the heart over time. Control high blood pressure through medication, diet, and lifestyle changes, as hypertension is one of the leading causes of heart failure. Manage diabetes carefully by monitoring blood sugar levels and following your treatment plan, since diabetes significantly increases heart failure risk. Maintain a healthy weight through balanced nutrition and regular physical activity, aiming for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise weekly. Avoid or quit smoking and limit alcohol consumption to protect your heart. Eat a heart-healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and low in sodium, saturated fats, and processed foods. Monitor and treat cholesterol levels, manage stress through relaxation techniques, and get adequate sleep each night.

Question 11

What can I do at home for heart failure?

Accepted Answer

Managing heart failure at home involves daily monitoring and lifestyle adjustments that support heart health and prevent symptom worsening. Weigh yourself every morning before breakfast and track your weight, reporting any gain of 2-3 pounds in a day or 5 pounds in a week to your doctor as this indicates fluid retention. Monitor your symptoms daily, including shortness of breath, fatigue levels, and swelling. Limit sodium intake to less than 2,000 mg daily by avoiding processed foods, reading labels carefully, and cooking at home with herbs and spices instead of salt. Follow fluid restrictions if prescribed, typically 1.5 to 2 liters daily. Take all medications exactly as prescribed and organize them with a pill organizer to avoid missing doses. Rest when needed but stay as active as possible with approved exercises, elevate your legs when sitting to reduce swelling, and keep all follow-up appointments with your healthcare team.

Question 12

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short:
            
                In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
                If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
                Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
                If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
                When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
                Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
                You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!
                If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Question 13

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

In the test options, find the test you want.
            If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option.
            Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

Question 14

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know.
            After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop!
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Question 15

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.
            Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at
            support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update.
            Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you.
            There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out.
            Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Question 16

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Only HSA & FSA is accepted.
            Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts.
            This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

Yes.
            We get it – sometimes your needs change.
            As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order.
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.
            You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

Question 18

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached!
            You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp).
            Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Heart Failure Blood Test

What is Heart Failure?

What causes heart failure?

What is the best test for heart failure?

When should I get tested for heart failure?

References

Here’s why 1,000,000+ customers chose us for affordable hassle-free private blood testing.

Us vs. Them

1,000,000+ blood tests later, here's what our customers say

Ask Me Anything