Diagnosis is often made by physical examination. Other tests that may be utilized include an electrocardiogram, or EKG, an echogram, chest x-rays, and laboratory tests. Treatment will vary depending on the cause of congestive heart failure. It may be cured, for example, if a heart valve defect can be surgically corrected. However, for the most common forms of congestive heart failure there is no cure.
Heart failure is slightly more common among men than women.