Heart Failure Quiz

This quick quiz can help evaluate whether you or a loved one is experiencing heart failure and may need to be seen by a medical professional.

1. How far can you walk without shortness of breath?

A.   Less than a block (Example: If you can't carry groceries out to the car or walk up a flight of stairs)
B.   Less than 1/2 mile (i.e., 5 blocks)
C.   No limit

2. How many times have you been admitted to the hospital as a result of your heart failure in the last 12 months?

A.   More than once
B.   Once
C.   Never

3. Are you currently taking a diuretic, also known as a water pill (for example, Lasix® or furosemide)?

A.     Yes
B.      No
C.      Don't know

4. Are you currently taking an ACE inhibitor and/or beta blocker (i.e., heart failure medication)?

A.     Yes
B.      No
C.      Don't know

If you answered Yes to question 4:

4a. Since taking your heart failure medication, have your heart failure symptoms:

A.      Worsened
B.      Remained the same
C.      Improved

5. Do you have a pacemaker or defibrillator?

A.      Yes
B.      No
C.      Don't know

If you answered Yes to question 5:

5a. Since receiving the pacemaker/defibrillator device have you had ongoing heart failure symptoms or any defibrillator shocks?

A.      Yes
B.      No
C.      Don’t know

6. Have you been diagnosed with anemia?

A.   Yes
B.   No
C.   Don't know

7. Have you been told your kidneys are not working normally?

A.   Yes
B.   No
C.   Don't know

Please add up all the questions where you answered "A". This total is your score. Now match your score with the key below and read the recommendation.

Key

Score  0:
Your answers to the heart failure quiz don't seem to indicate that you have heart failure symptoms, but if you have concerns about your health condition schedule an appointment with your physician.

Score 1-2:
Your answers to the heart failure quiz indicate that you may be experiencing symptoms related to early stage heart failure. It is recommended that you schedule an appointment with your cardiologist to confirm your symptoms and treatment plan.

Score 3 or more:
Your answers to the heart failure quiz indicate that you may be experiencing symptoms related to advanced-stage heart failure. It is recommended that you schedule an appointment with a cardiologist to confirm your symptoms and treatment plan. Learn more about Sharp HealthCare's Heart Transplant program.

For More Information
For help finding a Sharp-affiliated cardiologist, please call 1-800-82-SHARP (1-800-827-4277) or visit Find a Doctor.