Investigations
Chapter 03 / From suspicion to mechanism
Read the phenotype, not just the ejection fraction.
Choose the test for the question. Connect the finding to the physiology.
Explore the investigations ↘Finish with a phenotype.
Not a pile of results.
01 / Establish
Do the symptoms and objective findings support heart failure?
02 / Characterise
Describe ventricular function, filling, valves, rhythm and congestion.
03 / Explain
Identify the likely cause and relevant comorbid contributors.
04 / Act
State the uncertainty, the next decision and the test that could change it.
Sources / Clinical reading
Teaching content informed by NICE NG106, the 2026 ESC heart failure guideline, the ERS statement on CPET standardisation and Pulmonary artery catheterisation. Educational material for clinician review; not a patient-specific diagnostic tool.