diastolic heart failure
Pronunciation: die-ah-STOL-ik hart FAYL-yer
Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction where the heart muscle stiffens and cannot relax properly during filling.
Full Definition
Diastolic heart failure, now more commonly referred to as heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), occurs when the left ventricle maintains normal systolic function but develops impaired relaxation and increased stiffness. This prevents adequate ventricular filling during diastole, leading to elevated filling pressures and symptoms of heart failure. The condition is often associated with aging, hypertension, diabetes, and obesity. Unlike systolic heart failure, treatment options are limited and focus primarily on managing underlying conditions and symptom relief.
Usage
Usage note: Modern terminology favors 'heart failure with preserved ejection fraction' over 'diastolic heart failure.'
In Context
- "The echocardiogram confirmed diastolic heart failure with evidence of impaired relaxation." — Cardiology consultation report
- "Diastolic heart failure is increasingly recognized in elderly patients with multiple comorbidities." — Clinical research article