With stethoscope he will listen to breathing and lung sounds, and abnormal heart sounds. He will have lab perform electrocardiogram, chest x-ray. If from overload, primary disease may be treated. Anatomical problems such as heart valve defects can be surgically corrected. Lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, losing weight, no alcohol, reduce salt and fat, regular moderate exercise, and drug therapy.
Heart failure is one of the most serious symptoms of heart disease.
As heart failure progresses, patients often lose the ability to perform even modest physical activity. The loss of functioning ability can occur quickly if the heart is further weakened by heart attacks or the worsening of the conditions that affect heart failure. Heart failure patients have an increased risk of sudden death caused by an irregular heartbeat. It is of utmost importance that patients take care of themselves, to visit their physician regularly, closely follow physicians instructions, take all medication according to instructions, immediately inform physician of significant changes such as worse shortness of breath, or swollen feet.