investigations
Last reviewed 01/2018
Investigation to exclude treatable or reversible causes of heart failure, particularly coronary artery disease, valvular heart disease, hypothyroidism, thyrotoxicosis, haematochromatosis, collagen vascular disorders, and alcohol or drug related heart muscle disease.
Chest radiology reveals moderate to marked cardiac enlargement with pulmonary venous hypertension.
ECG demonstrates diffuse nonspecific ST-T wave abnormalities.
Echocardiography shows left ventricular dilatation and dysfunction.
Radionuclide studies show left ventricular dilatation and dysfunction.
Cardiac catheterization reveals left ventricular dilatation and dysfunction; elevated left and often right sided filling pressures; diminished cardiac output.