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Updated: Aug 5, 2026
09:20
Lumped-Parameter and Finite Element Modeling of Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction
Published on: February 13, 2021
Rheumatologic Disease as a Substrate for HFpEF: Pathophysiological Mechanisms and Clinical Implications
Maria Dons1,2, Morten Sengeløv1,2, Julie Borchsenius1,2
1Cardiovascular Non-Invasive Imaging Research Laboratory, Department of Cardiology Copenhagen University Hospital - Herlev & Gentofte. Hospital Hellerup Denmark.
Journal of the American Heart Association
|July 28, 2026
Summary
Systemic inflammation is linked to heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), especially in rheumatologic diseases. HFpEF in these patients is an inflammatory phenotype needing targeted research and therapies.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Rheumatology
- Immunology
Background:
- Systemic inflammation is increasingly recognized in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF).
- HFpEF is common in systemic rheumatologic diseases, often independent of coronary artery disease.
- Patients with rheumatologic conditions are underrepresented in HF research, with poorly understood inflammation-HFpEF mechanisms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the intersection of systemic rheumatologic disease and HFpEF.
- Focus on shared pathophysiology, diagnostic challenges, and therapeutic opportunities.
- Highlight HFpEF as a distinct inflammatory phenotype in rheumatologic populations.
Main Methods:
- Literature review examining shared pathophysiology between rheumatologic diseases and HFpEF.
- Analysis of diagnostic complexities due to atypical symptoms and comorbidities.
- Evaluation of current HFpEF therapies and the potential of anti-inflammatory strategies.
Main Results:
- Rheumatologic diseases significantly increase HFpEF risk.
- Key drivers include chronic inflammation, microvascular dysfunction, and myocardial fibrosis.
- Existing HFpEF treatments do not adequately address immune-mediated mechanisms.
Conclusions:
- HFpEF associated with rheumatologic disease is an underrecognized inflammatory phenotype.
- Collaborative research is crucial for refining diagnosis and evaluating immunomodulatory therapies.
- Inclusive clinical trials are needed to improve outcomes for this population.
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