Question

A 72-year-old woman with known stable angina develops worsening breathlessness and orthopnoea. Examination reveals bilateral basal crepitations, raised JVP and pitting ankle oedema. What initial investigation in primary care is recommended by NICE to support a diagnosis of heart failure?

Accepted Answer

Measure NT-proBNP level

Answer

Immediate coronary angiography

Answer

Exercise treadmill test

Answer

Holter monitor

Answer

Carotid Doppler ultrasound

Practice question

A 72-year-old woman with known stable angina develops worsening breathlessness and orthopnoea. Examination reveals bilateral basal crepitations, raised JVP and pitting ankle oedema. What initial investigation in primary care is recommended by NICE to support a diagnosis of heart failure?