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Updated: May 17, 2026
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Lumped-Parameter and Finite Element Modeling of Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction
Published on: February 13, 2021
[Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction: Diastolic heart failure]
Frans H Rutten1, Maarten-Jan M Cramer, Walter J Paulus
1Divisie Julius Centrum voor Gezondheidswetenschappen en Eerstelijnsgeneeskunde, afd. Huisartsgeneeskunde, Universitair Medisch Centrum Utrecht, the Netherlands. F.H.Rutten@umcutrecht.nl
Nederlands Tijdschrift Voor Geneeskunde
|November 9, 2012
Summary
Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HF-PEF) involves cardiac myocyte stiffness and extracellular matrix changes. This condition primarily affects elderly women and lacks specific evidence-based drug therapies.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Internal Medicine
- Pathophysiology
Context:
- Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HF-PEF) is a distinct pathophysiological entity within the heart failure spectrum.
- HF-PEF is frequently observed in elderly women with comorbidities such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus, metabolic syndrome, and obesity.
- Unlike heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HF-REF), fluid retention signs may be absent in HF-PEF patients.
Purpose:
- To elucidate the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying HF-PEF.
- To describe the clinical and echocardiographic characteristics of HF-PEF.
- To highlight the current therapeutic landscape and research directions for HF-PEF.
Summary:
- Metabolic abnormalities in HF-PEF contribute to cardiac myocyte stiffness and altered extracellular matrix collagen turnover.
- Echocardiographic findings typically include left atrial enlargement, left ventricular hypertrophy, impaired relaxation, and elevated filling pressures.
- Mortality in HF-PEF is influenced by comorbidities and advanced age, and is generally lower than in HF-REF.
Impact:
- Identifies key differences between HF-PEF and HF-REF, aiding in differential diagnosis.
- Underscores the need for targeted research and development of evidence-based therapies for HF-PEF.
- Provides a foundation for understanding the management challenges associated with this prevalent condition.
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