At the ER last month, I was diagnosed with congestive heart failure and pneumonia based on a X-Ray, CT Scan, Pro-BNP test, and an EKG. My EKG was abnormal (enlarged heart, etc.) and my Pro-BNP test score was 4996, which from what I have seen, is very high. I was very swollen and my oxygen level was low (70%). They gave me a bunch of medications including a diuretic. All of this made sense when I looked into it, because I have EVERY symptom of CHF.
From that day on, I stopped eating salt, drinking beer, and *tried* to quit smoking.
Fast forward to this month, I went to a cardiologist and he ran a sonogram (Echo...I think it is called). All came back normal. No enlargement, valves look okay, and etc. He wants to run a stress test, though, to look for blockage. My symptoms are still apparent, though I am not nearly as swollen right now. He doubled my diuretic dosage.
Does this mean I really do not have CHF? He doctor did not really say anything either way. I am so confused at how things can "change" so quickly, especially with such a "bad" BNP test. Could it be something else? I am thinking things may not be "okay" because he doubled my diuretic. I have no idea what to even think.
Any advice or input is greatly appreciated.