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Current concepts in diastolic heart failure

Sunil Dhar1, Deepak Koul, Gilbert E D'Alonzo

  • 1Temple University Hospital-Episcopal Campus, 100 E Lehigh Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19125-1012, USA. darsk@tuhs.temple.edu

The Journal of the American Osteopathic Association
|April 30, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Diastolic heart failure, characterized by preserved ejection fraction but abnormal diastolic function, is common in older adults and women. Early diagnosis and management with medications like calcium channel blockers can improve outcomes compared to systolic heart failure.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Internal Medicine

Background:

  • Heart failure is a widespread condition, especially affecting elderly individuals and women.
  • Diastolic heart failure, also known as heart failure with normal ejection fraction, preserves left ventricular systolic function but shows abnormal diastolic function.
  • Clinical and radiographic presentation of diastolic heart failure often mimics systolic heart failure.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review current medical concepts of diastolic heart failure for primary care physicians.
  • To highlight the importance of early diagnosis and management in improving patient prognosis.

Main Methods:

  • Review of current medical literature and treatment guidelines for diastolic heart failure.
  • Focus on diagnostic methods, particularly echocardiography, to differentiate from systolic heart failure.
  • Discussion of therapeutic strategies, emphasizing calcium channel blockers and angiotensin receptor blockers.

Main Results:

  • Echocardiography is crucial for identifying preserved ejection fraction with abnormal diastolic function.
  • Calcium channel blockers and angiotensin receptor blockers are key treatment options.
  • Early diagnosis and appropriate management are associated with a more favorable prognosis than systolic heart failure.

Conclusions:

  • Diastolic heart failure requires specific diagnostic approaches due to its similarity to systolic heart failure.
  • Effective management strategies, including pharmacotherapy, can significantly alter the disease trajectory.
  • Primary care physicians are pivotal in the early detection and ongoing care of patients with diastolic heart failure.

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