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Updated: Feb 7, 2026

Lumped-Parameter and Finite Element Modeling of Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction
Published on: February 13, 2021
Nitric Oxide Signaling in Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction
1Department of Medicine, University of Connecticut, Hartford, Connecticut.
Abstract:
There has been considerable focus on the potential role of nitric oxide (NO) and phosphodiesterase (PDE)-5 inhibition in treating heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). However, the results from studies have been conflicting. In a preclinical study, pre-treatment of diabetic rats with a PDE-5 inhibitor, vardenafil, resulted in a significant decrease in left ventricle stiffness. However, the results from clinical trials have been neutral. In this perspective piece, the authors discuss whether or not it is time to move on from targeting NO and PDE5 for the treatment of HFpEF.
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