Heart Failure
What Is It?
The heart cannot pump enough blood to meet the body needs. Causes fatigue, dyspnea, edema, and exercise intolerance. Classified as HFrEF or HFpEF.
How Is It Diagnosed?
Clinical exam, BNP or NT-proBNP, echocardiogram (EF assessment), chest X-ray (cardiomegaly, pulmonary edema).
How Is It Treated?
HFrEF: ACE inhibitor/ARNi, beta-blocker, MRA, SGLT-2 inhibitor. HFpEF: diuretics for volume overload, SGLT-2 inhibitor. Fluid and sodium restriction.
Tests and Imaging Typically Needed
BNP/NT-proBNP, BMP, CBC, thyroid, echocardiogram, EKG, chest X-ray.
Approximate Self-Pay Costs
Office visit: $95-$150. BNP: $30-$60. Echocardiogram: $500-$900. Medications: $20-$200/month depending on regimen.