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Updated: May 15, 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)]
István Czuriga1, Attila Borbély, Dániel Czuriga
1Debreceni Egyetem, Orvos- és Egészségtudományi Centrum Kardiológiai Intézet Debrecen Móricz Zs. krt. 22. 4032. iczuriga@med.unideb.hu
Orvosi Hetilap
|December 19, 2012
Summary
Diastolic heart failure, or heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), affects over half of heart failure patients. Current treatments focus on managing symptoms and comorbidities due to a lack of evidence-based therapies for HFpEF itself.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Internal Medicine
Context:
- Diastolic heart failure (HFpEF) is a prevalent clinical syndrome characterized by heart failure symptoms with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (≥ 50%).
- Epidemiological data indicate HFpEF constitutes over 50% of heart failure cases, disproportionately affecting older women and those with comorbidities like hypertension and diabetes.
- The pathophysiology of HFpEF is complex and heterogeneous, posing diagnostic and therapeutic challenges.
Purpose:
- This review aims to summarize current knowledge on diastolic heart failure, covering its epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management strategies.
- To highlight the diagnostic utility of echocardiography in identifying diastolic dysfunction.
- To discuss the current therapeutic landscape, emphasizing symptom management and addressing contributing comorbidities.
Summary:
- Diagnosis of HFpEF relies on echocardiography to detect diastolic dysfunction, including impaired myocardial relaxation and increased filling pressures, despite normal ejection fraction.
- Unlike heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, evidence-based treatments specifically for HFpEF are limited.
- Management strategies for HFpEF are primarily empirical, focusing on blood pressure normalization, heart rate control, symptom relief from congestion using diuretics, and treating underlying conditions like hypertension and diabetes.
Impact:
- This review provides a comprehensive overview of HFpEF, informing clinicians about the current understanding and management of this common condition.
- It underscores the need for further research to develop targeted, evidence-based therapies for HFpEF.
- Improved understanding and management of HFpEF can lead to better patient outcomes and reduced healthcare burden.
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