What should be done to evaluate possible aggravating factors or alternative diagnoses when a diagnosis of heart failure has been made?
When a diagnosis of heart failure has been made, an ECG should be performed and the following tests should be considered to evaluate possible aggravating factors and/or alternative diagnoses: chest X-ray, blood tests (renal function profile, thyroid function profile, liver function profile, lipid profile, glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c), full blood count, urinalysis, peak flow or spirometry).