[Diastolic dysfunction]

Diastolic dysfunction is characterized by an abnormal function of one or both ventricles which is manifested by an increased resistance to diastolic filling. The pathophysiology of diastolic dysfunction includes relaxation disturbances, abnormal diastolic filing and/or abnormal passive elastic properties. In 1/5 to 1/3 of all patients with congestive heart failure, diastolic dysfunction is found to be the sole cause of heart failure. The etiology is most commonly severe myocardial hypertrophy and less often coronary artery disease. The prognosis in patients with isolated diastolic dysfunction is good; the annual mortality rate is 8% and 5-year survival approximately 70%. Therapy is based on a reduction of circulating blood volume to reduce diastolic filling pressure and improvement of relaxation and diastolic filling by the administration of calcium antagonists.