Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 30, 2026

Author Spotlight: Investigating HR-Dependent Cardiac Function in Mouse Models Through a Novel Atrial-Pacing Approach
Published on: July 21, 2023
[Diastolic heart failure]
1Klinik für Kardiologie und Pneumologie und Deutsches Zentrum für Herz-Kreislauf-Forschung (DZHK), Universität Göttingen, Universitätsmedizin Göttingen, Robert-Koch-Str. 40, 37075, Göttingen, Deutschland, wachter@med.uni-goettingen.de.
Insights
Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), or diastolic heart failure, affects many patients. This review covers HFpEF epidemiology, pathophysiology, and emerging treatments, offering hope for better patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Internal Medicine
Background:
Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (i.e. diastolic heart failure) accounts for about half of heart failure cases. The aim of this review is to reflect current knowledge regarding the epidemiology, pathophysiology and treatment.
Results:
Diastolic heart failure patients are principally elderly and predominantly female. Numerous pathophysiological alterations in this disease have been shown and recent therapeutic recommendations include control of cardiovascular risk factors and symptoms. New therapeutic options, such as inhibition of late sodium current, aldosterone receptor blockade, combined inhibition of AT1 receptor and the enzyme neprilysin, and phosphodiesterase 5 inhibition are discussed in this review and ongoing clinical trials are also briefly presented.
Conclusion:
Diastolic heart failure remains a cardiac disease which is difficult to treat; however, new study results allow a better definition of a population of patients who could benefit from specific therapies.
Related Concept Videos
Heart Failure II: Pathophysiology
Heart Failure I: Introduction
Pathophysiology of Heart Failure
Mitral Regurgitation I: Introduction
Heart Failure IV: Classification and Diagnostic Evaluation
Imbalances in Cardiac Output
CHF can occur due to the failure of either side of the heart. Left-side failure leads to pulmonary congestion—the right side continues to send...

