Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 11, 2026
08:57
Pulsed Wave Doppler Assessment of Diastolic Dysfunction in the ZSF-1 Rat Model of Pulmonary Hypertension Due to Left Heart Disease
Published on: May 22, 2026
Systolic and diastolic heart failure: differences and similarities
Kanu Chatterjee1, Barry Massie
1Cardiology Division, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143-0124, USA.
Journal of Cardiac Failure
|September 11, 2007
Summary
Diastolic heart failure (DHF) and systolic heart failure (SHF) are distinct syndromes with similar symptoms but different heart changes. Understanding DHF mechanisms is crucial for effective treatment.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Internal Medicine
- Heart Failure Research
Background:
- Chronic heart failure presents as two main clinical subsets: diastolic heart failure (DHF) and systolic heart failure (SHF).
- These subsets are frequently observed in clinical practice, necessitating differentiation for appropriate management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To delineate the distinct pathophysiological characteristics of DHF and SHF.
- To highlight the current gaps in understanding the underlying mechanisms of DHF.
Main Methods:
- Comparative analysis of clinical, morphological, and functional changes in DHF and SHF.
- Review of neurohormonal abnormalities in both heart failure types.
Main Results:
- DHF is characterized by a preserved ejection fraction and a non-dilated left ventricle.
- SHF involves a dilated left ventricle with a reduced ejection fraction.
- Neurohormonal abnormalities are similar in both DHF and SHF, despite distinct phenotypes.
Conclusions:
- While SHF management has advanced, DHF treatment remains largely empirical due to limited knowledge of its molecular and biochemical basis.
- Further research is urgently needed to elucidate the mechanisms driving myocardial structural and functional changes in DHF.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Heart Failure II: Pathophysiology
Systolic Heart Failure and Compensatory MechanismsSystolic heart failure (also termed HFrEF, Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction) is the most prevalent type of heart filure. It results in a decreased volume of blood being pumped from the ventricle. The aortic arch and carotid sinuses have baroreceptors that detect reduced blood pressure, triggering the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) to release epinephrine and norepinephrine. Initially, this response aims to boost heart rate and...
01:17Pathophysiology of Heart Failure
Heart failure (HF) is a progressive syndrome involving ventricles that leads to inadequate cardiac output. It can be classified based on location and output or ejection fraction. Ejection fraction (EF) is an essential measurement in the diagnosis and surveillance of HF. Reduced EF corresponds to systolic heart failure (HFrEF). However, HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is becoming increasingly prevalent. Also known as diastolic HF, this form of HF is related to aging. The...
01:27Heart Failure I: Introduction
Heart failure refers to a clinical syndrome caused by structural or functional cardiac disorders that prevent the heart from pumping an adequate amount of blood to meet the body's metabolic needs. This condition often arises from myocardial infarction or ischemia, leading to decreased cardiac output, reduced tissue perfusion, impaired gas exchange, fluid volume imbalance, and decreased functional ability.Heart failure can result from disruptions in the mechanisms that regulate cardiac output...
01:30Heart Failure IV: Classification and Diagnostic Evaluation
Heart failure can be classified in various ways, with the most common classifications based on physical activity limitations, disease progression, severity, and treatment strategies.The Functional Classification of Heart Failure divides patients into four categories based on physical activity limitation due to symptom burden.Class I: Patients in this class have cardiac disease but no physical activity limitations. Ordinary activities like walking, climbing stairs, or routine tasks do not cause...
01:26Heart Failure III: Clinical Manifestations
Heart failure (HF) manifests primarily as dyspnea, fatigue, and fluid retention, resulting in peripheral and pulmonary edema. Symptoms may vary depending on which ventricle is more affected, left or right.Left-Sided Heart FailureAlso known as left ventricular failure, this condition results from the left ventricle's inability to fill or eject sufficient blood into the systemic circulation. It leads to pulmonary congestion, which occurs when the left ventricle fails to eject blood effectively...
01:26Imbalances in Cardiac Output
The heart's primary function is to pump blood throughout the body, maintaining a balance between blood sent out (cardiac output) and blood returning (venous return). If this balance is disrupted, it can result in congestive heart failure (CHF), a severe condition where the heart becomes an inefficient pump, leading to inadequate blood circulation.
CHF can occur due to the failure of either side of the heart. Left-side failure leads to pulmonary congestion—the right side continues to send blood...
CHF can occur due to the failure of either side of the heart. Left-side failure leads to pulmonary congestion—the right side continues to send blood...