Diagnosis of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Internal Medicine

Background:

• Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) presents a significant and increasing global healthcare challenge.
• Diagnostic criteria for HFpEF, while generally consistent, involve typical heart failure symptoms, preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (≥50%), and evidence of cardiac structural or functional changes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current diagnostic criteria for HFpEF based on existing guidelines and consensus recommendations.
• To incorporate recent research findings and new insights into HFpEF diagnosis.
• To examine the influence of comorbidities on HFpEF symptom presentation and diagnostic challenges.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of current guidelines and consensus recommendations for HFpEF diagnosis.
• Analysis of recent scientific papers offering new insights into HFpEF.
• Review of studies investigating the role of comorbidities in HFpEF.

Main Results:

• The diagnosis of HFpEF typically requires the presence of heart failure symptoms and signs, a preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (≥50%), and associated cardiac structural or functional abnormalities.
• Variations in diagnostic definitions exist across different guidelines.
• Comorbidities frequently complicate HFpEF diagnosis and symptom management.

Conclusions:

• Accurate diagnosis of HFpEF relies on a comprehensive assessment integrating clinical presentation, echocardiographic findings, and consideration of comorbidities.
• Ongoing research continues to refine understanding and diagnostic approaches to HFpEF.
• Addressing comorbidities is crucial for effective management of patients with HFpEF.