diastolic heart failure
Heart failure characterized by impaired ventricular relaxation and filling despite preserved ejection fraction.
Full Definition
Diastolic heart failure, now more commonly termed heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), is a clinical syndrome where patients experience heart failure symptoms despite having a normal or near-normal left ventricular ejection fraction (typically ≥50%). The underlying pathophysiology involves impaired ventricular relaxation, increased chamber stiffness, or both, leading to elevated filling pressures. This condition is particularly common in elderly patients, women, and those with hypertension, diabetes, or obesity. Diagnosis can be challenging and often requires comprehensive echocardiographic assessment of diastolic function parameters.
Usage
Usage note: Current guidelines prefer 'heart failure with preserved ejection fraction' over 'diastolic heart failure'.
In Context
- "The patient's symptoms were consistent with diastolic heart failure despite normal systolic function." — Cardiology consultation
- "Tissue Doppler imaging supported the diagnosis of diastolic heart failure with elevated E/e' ratio." — Echocardiography report