• Heart failure is a condition where your heart muscle doesn't pump blood as well as it should.
• Heart failure is usually a long-term condition — unlike heart attacks, which occur suddenly.
• Common symptoms of heart failure include breathlessness, fatigue, swollen legs and a fast heartbeat.
• Heart failure can’t be cured, but there are things you can do to help you improve your quality of life.
• You can manage your heart failure with lifestyle changes, medicines and sometimes surgery.

These key facts are from healthdirect.gov.au (accessed 28 Jan 2025). Visit the healthdirect website for more information about congestive heart failure.

If your doctor suspects you have congestive heart failure, they may request one or more tests.

If you are diagnosed with congestive heart failure, some of these tests will be used to monitor and manage your condition.

Find information about specific tests:

• Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP, NT pro-BNP)
• Urinalysis
• Electrolytes