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Should I Be Getting Treated For Congestive Heart Failure?
Question: I had two recent blood tests...the first is proBNP and the level is ok ruling out congestive heart failure..,The second was BNP and level was borderline high. Now my question- my dr added on report to me is. ‘Both sides indicators of Fluid overload’. What is fluid overload and should i be getting treated for this? Also, how does a dr diagnose fluid overload from the two blood tests ?
Brief Answer:
I would explain as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I understand your concern and would explain that a slightly elevated BNP level does not necessarily mean that you suffer from heart failure.
You should know that elevated BNP levels should be correlated with the patient's symptoms and cardiac ultrasound findings ( heart structure and function).
Fluid overload, means increased fluid retention or the accumulation of too much water in your body.
This could be related to different possible causes: heart failure, diabetes, chronic kidney dysfunction, drug induced, etc..
Both sides may be referred to both leg swelling during physical exam. This may be just a clinical observation by your doctor.
The treatment for this issue are usually diuretics (drugs that help push water away from your body).
You should discuss with your doctor on the above issues.
Hope you will find this information helpful!
I remain at your disposal for any further questions whenever you need!
Wishing all the best,
Dr.Ilir Sharka, Cardiologist
I would explain as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I understand your concern and would explain that a slightly elevated BNP level does not necessarily mean that you suffer from heart failure.
You should know that elevated BNP levels should be correlated with the patient's symptoms and cardiac ultrasound findings ( heart structure and function).
Fluid overload, means increased fluid retention or the accumulation of too much water in your body.
This could be related to different possible causes: heart failure, diabetes, chronic kidney dysfunction, drug induced, etc..
Both sides may be referred to both leg swelling during physical exam. This may be just a clinical observation by your doctor.
The treatment for this issue are usually diuretics (drugs that help push water away from your body).
You should discuss with your doctor on the above issues.
Hope you will find this information helpful!
I remain at your disposal for any further questions whenever you need!
Wishing all the best,
Dr.Ilir Sharka, Cardiologist
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
Brief Answer:
I would explain as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I understand your concern and would explain that a slightly elevated BNP level does not necessarily mean that you suffer from heart failure.
You should know that elevated BNP levels should be correlated with the patient's symptoms and cardiac ultrasound findings ( heart structure and function).
Fluid overload, means increased fluid retention or the accumulation of too much water in your body.
This could be related to different possible causes: heart failure, diabetes, chronic kidney dysfunction, drug induced, etc..
Both sides may be referred to both leg swelling during physical exam. This may be just a clinical observation by your doctor.
The treatment for this issue are usually diuretics (drugs that help push water away from your body).
You should discuss with your doctor on the above issues.
Hope you will find this information helpful!
I remain at your disposal for any further questions whenever you need!
Wishing all the best,
Dr.Ilir Sharka, Cardiologist
I would explain as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I understand your concern and would explain that a slightly elevated BNP level does not necessarily mean that you suffer from heart failure.
You should know that elevated BNP levels should be correlated with the patient's symptoms and cardiac ultrasound findings ( heart structure and function).
Fluid overload, means increased fluid retention or the accumulation of too much water in your body.
This could be related to different possible causes: heart failure, diabetes, chronic kidney dysfunction, drug induced, etc..
Both sides may be referred to both leg swelling during physical exam. This may be just a clinical observation by your doctor.
The treatment for this issue are usually diuretics (drugs that help push water away from your body).
You should discuss with your doctor on the above issues.
Hope you will find this information helpful!
I remain at your disposal for any further questions whenever you need!
Wishing all the best,
Dr.Ilir Sharka, Cardiologist
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
Thank you. Your reply was more detailed than my dr. But , i cant figure out why she said regarding the two test results that—-‘ both test results are indicators of fluid overload’. Why would the test results be indicators of fluid overload’. .,. I plan to talk with the Dr. . What should i ask the Dr. ?!marty
Brief Answer:
Opinion as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello again!
Let me explain that your doctor is right regarding natriuretic peptides clinical indications; they are primarily used to show high likelihood of heart failure and fluid overload.
Anyways, it is necessary to carefully consider the high variability of normal ranges according to the age, body weight, associated health condition like pulmonary disorders, etc.
An elevated body weight, even a rich lipid diet may directly affect normal ranges by lowering them. Different normal ranges are defined for different age groups; older people showing higher normal values.
Coming to this point, your borderline elevated BNP value could not be considered as an evidence of heart failure, or fluid overload in the absence of physical findings like edema, or recent body weight increase (fluid overload); echo findings of decreased systolic and/or diastolic function or fluid overload.
I would like to directly review your lab tests; is it possible to upload them here on the platform?
You should ask you doctor about additional data to support heart failure/fluid overload, like clinical and echo findings, as just elevated natriuretic levels are insufficient to confirm such a diagnosis when taken alone.
Let me know in case of any further questions.
Kind regards,
Dr. Iliri
Opinion as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello again!
Let me explain that your doctor is right regarding natriuretic peptides clinical indications; they are primarily used to show high likelihood of heart failure and fluid overload.
Anyways, it is necessary to carefully consider the high variability of normal ranges according to the age, body weight, associated health condition like pulmonary disorders, etc.
An elevated body weight, even a rich lipid diet may directly affect normal ranges by lowering them. Different normal ranges are defined for different age groups; older people showing higher normal values.
Coming to this point, your borderline elevated BNP value could not be considered as an evidence of heart failure, or fluid overload in the absence of physical findings like edema, or recent body weight increase (fluid overload); echo findings of decreased systolic and/or diastolic function or fluid overload.
I would like to directly review your lab tests; is it possible to upload them here on the platform?
You should ask you doctor about additional data to support heart failure/fluid overload, like clinical and echo findings, as just elevated natriuretic levels are insufficient to confirm such a diagnosis when taken alone.
Let me know in case of any further questions.
Kind regards,
Dr. Iliri
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
Brief Answer:
Opinion as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello again!
Let me explain that your doctor is right regarding natriuretic peptides clinical indications; they are primarily used to show high likelihood of heart failure and fluid overload.
Anyways, it is necessary to carefully consider the high variability of normal ranges according to the age, body weight, associated health condition like pulmonary disorders, etc.
An elevated body weight, even a rich lipid diet may directly affect normal ranges by lowering them. Different normal ranges are defined for different age groups; older people showing higher normal values.
Coming to this point, your borderline elevated BNP value could not be considered as an evidence of heart failure, or fluid overload in the absence of physical findings like edema, or recent body weight increase (fluid overload); echo findings of decreased systolic and/or diastolic function or fluid overload.
I would like to directly review your lab tests; is it possible to upload them here on the platform?
You should ask you doctor about additional data to support heart failure/fluid overload, like clinical and echo findings, as just elevated natriuretic levels are insufficient to confirm such a diagnosis when taken alone.
Let me know in case of any further questions.
Kind regards,
Dr. Iliri
Opinion as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello again!
Let me explain that your doctor is right regarding natriuretic peptides clinical indications; they are primarily used to show high likelihood of heart failure and fluid overload.
Anyways, it is necessary to carefully consider the high variability of normal ranges according to the age, body weight, associated health condition like pulmonary disorders, etc.
An elevated body weight, even a rich lipid diet may directly affect normal ranges by lowering them. Different normal ranges are defined for different age groups; older people showing higher normal values.
Coming to this point, your borderline elevated BNP value could not be considered as an evidence of heart failure, or fluid overload in the absence of physical findings like edema, or recent body weight increase (fluid overload); echo findings of decreased systolic and/or diastolic function or fluid overload.
I would like to directly review your lab tests; is it possible to upload them here on the platform?
You should ask you doctor about additional data to support heart failure/fluid overload, like clinical and echo findings, as just elevated natriuretic levels are insufficient to confirm such a diagnosis when taken alone.
Let me know in case of any further questions.
Kind regards,
Dr. Iliri
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
I am trying to upload the two blood tests. My question is how /why the dr said the two lab reports indicates. ‘. Fluid overload’
Brief Answer:
Your blood lab tests are perfectly normal.
Detailed Answer:
Hello again!
Regarding your concern, I would explain that both tests are normal (NT pro BNP levels and also antibodies for Covid).
So, I don't understand why your doctor has used the term 'fluid overload', because this is a perfectly normal test.
Also negative antibodies for Covid, means that you have had no contact with the virus recently.
Coming to this point, I think you should not worry about these blood lab tests.
If you have no leg swelling, shortness of breath, this is another clinical sign that there is no fluid overload.
For this reason try to relax and don't worry abut it!
Hope you will find this information helpful!
Wishing all the best,
Dr. Iliri
p.s.: I am sorry for the delay in answering, but have been on a busy night shift at the hospital! : )
Your blood lab tests are perfectly normal.
Detailed Answer:
Hello again!
Regarding your concern, I would explain that both tests are normal (NT pro BNP levels and also antibodies for Covid).
So, I don't understand why your doctor has used the term 'fluid overload', because this is a perfectly normal test.
Also negative antibodies for Covid, means that you have had no contact with the virus recently.
Coming to this point, I think you should not worry about these blood lab tests.
If you have no leg swelling, shortness of breath, this is another clinical sign that there is no fluid overload.
For this reason try to relax and don't worry abut it!
Hope you will find this information helpful!
Wishing all the best,
Dr. Iliri
p.s.: I am sorry for the delay in answering, but have been on a busy night shift at the hospital! : )
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Brief Answer:
Your blood lab tests are perfectly normal.
Detailed Answer:
Hello again!
Regarding your concern, I would explain that both tests are normal (NT pro BNP levels and also antibodies for Covid).
So, I don't understand why your doctor has used the term 'fluid overload', because this is a perfectly normal test.
Also negative antibodies for Covid, means that you have had no contact with the virus recently.
Coming to this point, I think you should not worry about these blood lab tests.
If you have no leg swelling, shortness of breath, this is another clinical sign that there is no fluid overload.
For this reason try to relax and don't worry abut it!
Hope you will find this information helpful!
Wishing all the best,
Dr. Iliri
p.s.: I am sorry for the delay in answering, but have been on a busy night shift at the hospital! : )
Your blood lab tests are perfectly normal.
Detailed Answer:
Hello again!
Regarding your concern, I would explain that both tests are normal (NT pro BNP levels and also antibodies for Covid).
So, I don't understand why your doctor has used the term 'fluid overload', because this is a perfectly normal test.
Also negative antibodies for Covid, means that you have had no contact with the virus recently.
Coming to this point, I think you should not worry about these blood lab tests.
If you have no leg swelling, shortness of breath, this is another clinical sign that there is no fluid overload.
For this reason try to relax and don't worry abut it!
Hope you will find this information helpful!
Wishing all the best,
Dr. Iliri
p.s.: I am sorry for the delay in answering, but have been on a busy night shift at the hospital! : )
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Iappologize but I seem to having problems posting. I added the second bnp lab report and the doctors comment. I hope you have them now. I do not know why the two bnp tests would lead the doctor to say they indicate fluid indicate..
Brief Answer:
My opinion as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello again!
I saw the last report which shows a slightly increased BNP level, which could be attributed to other possible causes than the heart, like: the kidneys or chronic lung disease.
For this reason, before coming to right conclusions, I would recommend performing further tests:
- a cardiac ultrasound
- a chest X ray study
- pulmonary function tests
- kidney function tests.
Besides, NT pro BNP levels and BNP levels should be interpreted based on body mass index because the normal ranges vary on the body mass index.
You should discuss with your doctor on the above issues.
Hope you will find this information helpful!
I remain at your disposal for any further questions whenever you need!
Wishing all the best,
Dr.Iliri
My opinion as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello again!
I saw the last report which shows a slightly increased BNP level, which could be attributed to other possible causes than the heart, like: the kidneys or chronic lung disease.
For this reason, before coming to right conclusions, I would recommend performing further tests:
- a cardiac ultrasound
- a chest X ray study
- pulmonary function tests
- kidney function tests.
Besides, NT pro BNP levels and BNP levels should be interpreted based on body mass index because the normal ranges vary on the body mass index.
You should discuss with your doctor on the above issues.
Hope you will find this information helpful!
I remain at your disposal for any further questions whenever you need!
Wishing all the best,
Dr.Iliri
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
Brief Answer:
My opinion as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello again!
I saw the last report which shows a slightly increased BNP level, which could be attributed to other possible causes than the heart, like: the kidneys or chronic lung disease.
For this reason, before coming to right conclusions, I would recommend performing further tests:
- a cardiac ultrasound
- a chest X ray study
- pulmonary function tests
- kidney function tests.
Besides, NT pro BNP levels and BNP levels should be interpreted based on body mass index because the normal ranges vary on the body mass index.
You should discuss with your doctor on the above issues.
Hope you will find this information helpful!
I remain at your disposal for any further questions whenever you need!
Wishing all the best,
Dr.Iliri
My opinion as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello again!
I saw the last report which shows a slightly increased BNP level, which could be attributed to other possible causes than the heart, like: the kidneys or chronic lung disease.
For this reason, before coming to right conclusions, I would recommend performing further tests:
- a cardiac ultrasound
- a chest X ray study
- pulmonary function tests
- kidney function tests.
Besides, NT pro BNP levels and BNP levels should be interpreted based on body mass index because the normal ranges vary on the body mass index.
You should discuss with your doctor on the above issues.
Hope you will find this information helpful!
I remain at your disposal for any further questions whenever you need!
Wishing all the best,
Dr.Iliri
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
I am going to talk wit dr and look for other drs.. I am sending the labs. Can you tell me how my kidneys are functioning. I believe kidney function capability is assigned a kidney level —-1 to 5. ,,,,1-10.... what if the classification based on these lab results...thanks, XXXXXXX
I am going to talk wit dr and look for other drs.. I am sending the labs. Can you tell me how my kidneys are functioning. I believe kidney function capability is assigned a kidney level —-1 to 5. ,,,,1-10.... what if the classification based on these lab results...thanks, XXXXXXX
Brief Answer:
Please try to upload again!
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX
Unfortunately I can't see your kidney function test report uploaded. Maybe a system error.
Please could you try again!
I would be glad to review those tests at anytime for a second professional opinion!
Hope you will find this information helpful!
Wishing all the best,
Dr.Iliri
Please try to upload again!
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX
Unfortunately I can't see your kidney function test report uploaded. Maybe a system error.
Please could you try again!
I would be glad to review those tests at anytime for a second professional opinion!
Hope you will find this information helpful!
Wishing all the best,
Dr.Iliri
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Brief Answer:
Please try to upload again!
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX
Unfortunately I can't see your kidney function test report uploaded. Maybe a system error.
Please could you try again!
I would be glad to review those tests at anytime for a second professional opinion!
Hope you will find this information helpful!
Wishing all the best,
Dr.Iliri
Please try to upload again!
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX
Unfortunately I can't see your kidney function test report uploaded. Maybe a system error.
Please could you try again!
I would be glad to review those tests at anytime for a second professional opinion!
Hope you will find this information helpful!
Wishing all the best,
Dr.Iliri
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Can a catscan with oral contrast be used to diagnose stomach ulcers???
Brief Answer:
I would recommend as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX
I carefully reviewed your test reports and would explain that you have a mild form of chronic kidney dysfunction (first degree).
Besides your uric acid plasma levels are borderline high.
For this reason, I would recommend checking regularly every 3-6 months your kidney function tests and reduce proteins in your diet.
Regarding the cat scan with oral contrast, it is a good test to examine the stomach and even the diagnosis of ulcer although it does not examine the gastric walls.
In such case fibrogastroscopy and biopsy would be a more accurate test, also considering the fact that oral contrast can damage your kidneys further.
Hope you will find this information helpful!
If you have any other questions, please don't hesitate to ask me again!
Wishing all the best,
Dr. Iliri
I would recommend as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX
I carefully reviewed your test reports and would explain that you have a mild form of chronic kidney dysfunction (first degree).
Besides your uric acid plasma levels are borderline high.
For this reason, I would recommend checking regularly every 3-6 months your kidney function tests and reduce proteins in your diet.
Regarding the cat scan with oral contrast, it is a good test to examine the stomach and even the diagnosis of ulcer although it does not examine the gastric walls.
In such case fibrogastroscopy and biopsy would be a more accurate test, also considering the fact that oral contrast can damage your kidneys further.
Hope you will find this information helpful!
If you have any other questions, please don't hesitate to ask me again!
Wishing all the best,
Dr. Iliri
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Brief Answer:
I would recommend as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX
I carefully reviewed your test reports and would explain that you have a mild form of chronic kidney dysfunction (first degree).
Besides your uric acid plasma levels are borderline high.
For this reason, I would recommend checking regularly every 3-6 months your kidney function tests and reduce proteins in your diet.
Regarding the cat scan with oral contrast, it is a good test to examine the stomach and even the diagnosis of ulcer although it does not examine the gastric walls.
In such case fibrogastroscopy and biopsy would be a more accurate test, also considering the fact that oral contrast can damage your kidneys further.
Hope you will find this information helpful!
If you have any other questions, please don't hesitate to ask me again!
Wishing all the best,
Dr. Iliri
I would recommend as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX
I carefully reviewed your test reports and would explain that you have a mild form of chronic kidney dysfunction (first degree).
Besides your uric acid plasma levels are borderline high.
For this reason, I would recommend checking regularly every 3-6 months your kidney function tests and reduce proteins in your diet.
Regarding the cat scan with oral contrast, it is a good test to examine the stomach and even the diagnosis of ulcer although it does not examine the gastric walls.
In such case fibrogastroscopy and biopsy would be a more accurate test, also considering the fact that oral contrast can damage your kidneys further.
Hope you will find this information helpful!
If you have any other questions, please don't hesitate to ask me again!
Wishing all the best,
Dr. Iliri
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you very very much. Healthcaremagic is the BEST. XXXXXXX
Thank you very very much. Healthcaremagic is the BEST. XXXXXXX
Brief Answer:
You are welcome!
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX
I am glad to have been helpful to you!
If you have any other questions in the future, please ask me directly (Question for Dr. Sharka) at any time!
I would be glad to answer to all of your questions!
Wishing all the best,
Dr.Iliri
You are welcome!
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX
I am glad to have been helpful to you!
If you have any other questions in the future, please ask me directly (Question for Dr. Sharka) at any time!
I would be glad to answer to all of your questions!
Wishing all the best,
Dr.Iliri
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Brief Answer:
You are welcome!
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX
I am glad to have been helpful to you!
If you have any other questions in the future, please ask me directly (Question for Dr. Sharka) at any time!
I would be glad to answer to all of your questions!
Wishing all the best,
Dr.Iliri
You are welcome!
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX
I am glad to have been helpful to you!
If you have any other questions in the future, please ask me directly (Question for Dr. Sharka) at any time!
I would be glad to answer to all of your questions!
Wishing all the best,
Dr.Iliri
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you for all the info. But i am still confused about dr comment..she said bnp was borderline high but pro bnp was low .....Both indicators of fluid buildup. How does a dr make a diagnosis of fluid buildup from these two blood lab results.??? I see adf to pictures her report... XXXXXXX
Thank you for all the info. But i am still confused about dr comment..she said bnp was borderline high but pro bnp was low .....Both indicators of fluid buildup. How does a dr make a diagnosis of fluid buildup from these two blood lab results.??? I see adf to pictures her report... XXXXXXX
Brief Answer:
My opinion as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX
In my opinion these test results are not conclusive about fluid buildup, especially considering the fact that you have no leg swelling or weight gain.
So, please try not to worry too much about it!
I recommend performing a cardiac ultrasound and repeating these tests after a couple of months.
Hope you will find this information helpful!
If you have any other questions, please don't hesitate to ask me again!
Wishing all the best,
Dr. Iliri
My opinion as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX
In my opinion these test results are not conclusive about fluid buildup, especially considering the fact that you have no leg swelling or weight gain.
So, please try not to worry too much about it!
I recommend performing a cardiac ultrasound and repeating these tests after a couple of months.
Hope you will find this information helpful!
If you have any other questions, please don't hesitate to ask me again!
Wishing all the best,
Dr. Iliri
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Brief Answer:
My opinion as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX
In my opinion these test results are not conclusive about fluid buildup, especially considering the fact that you have no leg swelling or weight gain.
So, please try not to worry too much about it!
I recommend performing a cardiac ultrasound and repeating these tests after a couple of months.
Hope you will find this information helpful!
If you have any other questions, please don't hesitate to ask me again!
Wishing all the best,
Dr. Iliri
My opinion as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX
In my opinion these test results are not conclusive about fluid buildup, especially considering the fact that you have no leg swelling or weight gain.
So, please try not to worry too much about it!
I recommend performing a cardiac ultrasound and repeating these tests after a couple of months.
Hope you will find this information helpful!
If you have any other questions, please don't hesitate to ask me again!
Wishing all the best,
Dr. Iliri
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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