Diastolic heart failure

Diastolic heart failure (also known as heart failure with preserved ejection fraction or HFpEF) is a type of heart failure in which the heart's lower chambers (the ventricles) become stiff and cannot relax or fill with blood properly. This results in less blood being pumped out to the body, leading to symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue, and swelling in the legs and ankles.

Causes

The exact cause of diastolic heart failure is not known, but it is often associated with conditions that make the heart muscle stiff and less elastic. These include hypertension, coronary artery disease, diabetes, and obesity. Aging is also a risk factor, as the heart muscle naturally becomes less flexible over time.

Symptoms

The symptoms of diastolic heart failure are similar to those of other types of heart failure and can include:

• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue
• Swelling in the legs and ankles
• Rapid or irregular heartbeat
• Difficulty exercising

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of diastolic heart failure can be challenging, as the ejection fraction (the percentage of blood that is pumped out of the heart with each beat) is often normal. However, tests such as an echocardiogram, cardiac catheterization, or MRI can help to identify the condition.

Treatment

Treatment for diastolic heart failure focuses on managing symptoms and slowing the progression of the disease. This can include lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise, medications to control blood pressure and heart rate, and in some cases, surgery or other procedures to improve heart function.

See also

• Heart failure
• Systolic heart failure
• Ejection fraction
• Cardiac catheterization
• Echocardiogram

Diastolic heart failure Resources
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