Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 6, 2026

Lumped-Parameter and Finite Element Modeling of Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction
09:20

Lumped-Parameter and Finite Element Modeling of Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction

Published on: February 13, 2021

Advances in diastolic heart failure

Xing Sheng Yang1, Jing Ping Sun

  • 1Xing Sheng Yang, Jing Ping Sun, Department of Caediology, Emory University School of Medicine, 6276 Courtside Drive, Norcross, GA 30092, United States.

World Journal of Cardiology
|December 17, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Diastolic heart failure (DHF) affects over half of congestive heart failure patients, predominantly older women. Current treatments show limited success, highlighting the need for improved therapies and further research for this common condition.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Heart Failure Research

Background:

  • Diastolic heart failure (DHF) affects over 50% of individuals with congestive heart failure (CHF).
  • DHF predominantly impacts individuals over 70 years old, with a higher prevalence in females.
  • The incidence of DHF has been increasing over time, indicating a growing public health concern.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the current understanding of diastolic heart failure (DHF).
  • To discuss the causes, diagnosis, and treatment outcomes of DHF.
  • To emphasize the need for further clinical trials in DHF management.

Main Methods:

  • Diagnosis of DHF relies on characteristic symptoms and signs of heart failure (HF).
  • Key diagnostic criteria include preserved or normal left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction and evidence of LV diastolic dysfunction (DD).
  • Noninvasive and invasive methodologies are employed, excluding significant valvular abnormalities.

Main Results:

  • Pharmacological therapies have demonstrated neutral outcomes in clinical trials for DHF.
  • The prognosis for DHF patients remains poor, with a 5-year mortality rate of 42.3% post-hospitalization.
  • Cardiac and extracardiac factors significantly contribute to the development of HF symptoms in DHF.

Conclusions:

  • Diastolic heart failure is a prevalent and serious condition with significant morbidity and mortality.
  • Current therapeutic strategies for DHF are insufficient, necessitating the development of more effective treatments.
  • Further clinical trials are essential to improve patient outcomes and address the challenges in managing DHF.

Keywords:
B-type natriuretic peptideDiastolic dysfunctionDiastolic dyssynchrony normal ejection fractionDiastolic heart failureEchocardiographyHeart failure

Related Concept Videos

Heart Failure II: Pathophysiology01:29

Heart 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...
Heart Failure V: Medical Management01:30

Heart Failure V: Medical Management

Medical Management of Acute Decompensated Heart Failure (ADHF)The primary goals of therapy for patients hospitalized with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) include:Relieving symptomsOptimizing volume statusSupporting oxygenation and ventilationMaintaining cardiac output (CO) and end-organ perfusionIdentifying and addressing the cause of ADHFPreventing complicationsProviding patient education on factors precipitating HF exacerbationPlanning for dischargeOngoing monitoring and assessment...
Heart Failure Drugs: Diuretics01:22

Heart Failure Drugs: Diuretics

Heart failure and kidney perfusion are interconnected in a complex way. Reduced renal perfusion and venous congestion are two significant factors that contribute to renal dysfunction in heart failure. The kidneys, primarily responsible for fluid balance in the body, are adversely affected due to compromised cardiac output and increased venous pressure. In response to reduced renal perfusion, the kidneys activate neurohumoral mechanisms to restore balance. However, these mechanisms can be...
Cardiomyopathy II: Dilated Cardiomyopathy01:30

Cardiomyopathy II: Dilated Cardiomyopathy

Dilated cardiomyopathy, or DCM, is a progressive myocardial disorder characterized by ventricular chamber dilation and contractile dysfunction.EtiologyVarious factors can cause DCM, including hypertension and heavy alcohol intake, which contribute to the weakening and enlargement of the heart muscle. Viral infections, such as Coxsackievirus B, adenoviruses, and influenza, can lead to DCM by causing inflammation and damage to heart tissue. Certain chemotherapeutic agents, including daunorubicin,...
Heart Failure VI: Adjunct Therapies01:22

Heart Failure VI: Adjunct Therapies

Additional therapies for treating patients with heart failure (HF) may include procedural interventions, supplemental oxygen, the management of sleep disorders, and nutritional therapy.Procedural InterventionsImplantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator: For patients at risk of life-threatening arrhythmias due to severe left ventricular dysfunction, an Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator (ICD) can detect and terminate these arrhythmias, preventing sudden cardiac death and improving survival rates.
Heart Failure IV: Classification and Diagnostic Evaluation01:30

Heart 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...