The evaluation of ischemic cardiomyopathy begins with a history and physical examination.

Physical findings in someone with ischemic cardiomyopathy may include:

• Abnormal heart sounds
• During examination with a stethoscope
• Congested lungs
• Excessive sweating
• Heart murmur
• High blood pressure
• Low blood pressure
• Irregular heartbeat
• Rapid pulse
• Foot swelling (bilateral)
• Leg swelling (bilateral)
• Xanthelasma:
• Yellow skin patches on the eyelids that are composed of cholesterol
• Swelling of the veins in the neck

Testing is necessary to confirm the diagnosis of ischemic cardiomyopathy.

Tests that may be used to evaluate ischemic cardiomyopathy include:

• Complete blood count
• BNP testing
• Electrolytes
• Kidney profile
• Liver profile
• Thyroid profile
• Chest x-ray may show:
• Normal chest x-ray
• Enlarged heart
• EKG
• MUGA scan
• Thallium heart scan
• Echocardiography
• Cardiac catheterization
• Cardiac muscle biopsy:
• A sample of heart muscle can be obtained during catheterization to confirm this diagnosis