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Professional Technical In the Industry Vocabulary Test

diastolic dysfunction

Pronunciation: dye-a-STOL-ik

Impaired ventricular relaxation and filling during diastole, often with preserved systolic function.

Full Definition

A pathophysiologic condition characterized by abnormal ventricular relaxation, reduced compliance, or impaired filling during diastole, which may occur with preserved or reduced ejection fraction. Diastolic dysfunction is classified into grades I-III based on echocardiographic parameters including mitral inflow patterns, tissue Doppler velocities, and left atrial size. Common causes include hypertension, ischemic heart disease, diabetes, and aging. In cardiac anesthesia, diastolic dysfunction significantly affects hemodynamic management, as these patients are preload-dependent and sensitive to changes in heart rate, requiring careful attention to volume status and avoiding tachycardia.

Usage

Usage note: Specify grade (I-III) when documenting; distinguish from systolic dysfunction and restrictive physiology.

In Context

  • "Preoperative echocardiogram revealed grade II diastolic dysfunction with elevated filling pressures." — Preoperative assessment
  • "The patient's diastolic dysfunction required careful fluid management to avoid pulmonary edema during surgery." — Anesthesia plan

Also known as

heart failure with preserved ejection fraction HFpEF

Contrasted with

systolic dysfunction

Don't confuse with

mitral stenosis constrictive pericarditis

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