SIGN Guidelines 2007

Management of Chronic Heart Failure

February 2007

Echocardiography (2.1.5)

Echocardiography is recommended in patients with suspected heart failure who have either a raised brain natriuretic peptide or N terminal-pro-BNP level or abnormal ECG result to confirm the diagnosis and establish the underlying cause.

The investigation should include:

• A description of overall left ventricular systolic function together with any wall motion abnormalities
• Assessment of diastolic function
• Measurement of left ventricular wall thickness
• Doppler assessment of any significant valve disease
• Estimation of pulmonary artery systolic pressure, where possible

Echocardiography should be performed on modern high resolution equipment by suitably trained operators.