Review symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue, swelling, and reduced exercise tolerance
Take a detailed medical history
Perform a physical examination
Check vital signs, including blood pressure, heart rate, oxygen saturation, and weight
Listen for abnormal heart and lung sounds
Order blood tests, including BNP or NT-proBNP, kidney function, electrolytes, liver function, and thyroid tests
Obtain an electrocardiogram
Perform a chest X-ray
Order an echocardiogram
Consider stress testing if ischemia is suspected
Consider cardiac MRI if more detail is needed
Consider coronary angiography if coronary artery disease is suspected
Evaluate for contributing conditions such as anemia, arrhythmias, valve disease, and lung disease