If you have diastolic heart failure, your left ventricle has become stiffer than normal. Because of that, your heart can't relax the way it should. When it pumps, it can't fill up with
blood as it's supposed to. Because there's less blood in the ventricle, less blood is pumped out to your body. As we get older, our heart and blood vessels become less elastic. That makes them more
likely to get stiff. So diastolic heart failure is more common as people get older. Other than normal aging, the most common causes are: High blood pressure: If you have it, your heart has to work harder to pump more blood through your body. Thanks to that extra work, your heart muscle may get thicker or larger, and it eventually gets stiff. Learn
more about the symptoms of high blood pressure. Diabetes: The disease can cause the wall of your heart to thicken. That makes it stiffen. Read more on how diabetes
affects your heart. Coronary artery disease: The amount of blood flowing to your heart muscle is blocked or less than normal. Find out more about the different types of cardiovascular diseases. Obesity/inactivity: With either, your heart has to work much harder to pump blood. Get information on the health risks linked to obesity. Common
signs of heart failure can include: To figure out if you have heart failure, your doctor will examine you, ask about your medical history, and run some tests. Those tests might include: Although diastolic heart failure can't be cured, treatment can help ease symptoms and improve the way your heart pumps. Your plan can include: Lifestyle changes: Your doctor will probably suggest: Medication: You may need to take one or more drugs as part of your treatment. Common heart failure medications for diastolic heart failure include: What is Diastolic Heart Failure?Diastolic heart failure, technically referred to as "heart failure with preserved ejection fraction" (HFpEF), is a condition where the lower left chamber of the heart (left ventricle) is not able to fill properly with blood during the diastolic phase, reducing the amount of blood pumped out to the body. The diastolic phase is when the heart relaxes and fills with blood. Diastolic heart failure occurs if the left ventricle muscle becomes stiff or thickened. The heart must increase pressure inside the ventricle to fill it. Over time, this causes blood to build up inside the left atrium, and then in the lungs, leading to fluid congestion and symptoms of heart failure. Baptist Health is known for advanced, superior care for patients with heart disease and the diagnosis, management and treatment of diastolic heart failure. The American Heart Association awarded us with the Get With the Guidelines® Bronze Award in 2016 for consistent application of quality measures in treating heart failure. You will appreciate timely appointments and respectful attention to your concerns, all in a positive and friendly atmosphere. At Baptist Health, you have access to the region’s most comprehensive, multidisciplinary team of specialists and innovative therapies, including many available only through specialized clinical trials. In every way, we work to demonstrate the utmost in excellent care to those who trust us with their health. SymptomsDiastolic heart failure signs and symptoms can range from mild to severe, and may include:
CausesThe following can lead to diastolic heart failure development:
Risk FactorsRisk factors that could contribute to diastolic heart failure include: Aging: As a person gets older, the heart muscle tends to stiffen, preventing the heart from filling with blood properly. Aortic stenosis: A narrowed opening of the aortic valve can cause the left ventricle to thicken/ Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: This inherited heart muscle abnormality causes left ventricle walls to thicken. Pericardial disease: This abnormality in the sac surrounding the heart can cause fluid to build up in the pericardial space or thicken the pericardium. DiagnosisTo determine if a patient has diastolic heart failure, we ask questions about your medical history and do a physical exam. We then use advanced diagnostic procedures and technology to effectively diagnose, inform treatment and carefully monitor the condition. Common procedures used for diastolic heart failure diagnosis include: Blood test: Blood tests check the levels of certain fats, cholesterol, sugar and protein in the blood that could indicate heart conditions. Chest X-ray: A common imaging test of the lungs, heart and aorta. Echocardiogram: This ultrasound exam uses soundwaves to take moving pictures of the heart’s chambers and valves. Electrocardiogram (EKG): This test measures the electrical activity of the heart and can help determine if parts of the heart are enlarged, overworked or damaged. The heart’s electrical currents are detected by 12 to 15 electrodes that are attached to the arms, legs and chest via sticky tape. Electrophysiology study: This test records the heart’s electrical activities and pathways. It can help find what’s causing heart rhythm problems and identify the best treatment. Stress testing: This test is conducted during exercise. If a person can't exercise, medicine is given to increase heart rate. Used along with an EKG, the test can show changes to the heart’s rate, rhythm or electrical activity as well as blood pressure. Exercise makes the heart work hard and beat fast while heart tests are administered. PrognosisPrognosis varies depending on the cause of diastolic heart failure, the severity a person’s symptoms and impairment, the degree to which other organ systems are involved, and his or her response to medications. TreatmentDiastolic heart failure treatment options may include: MedicationMedications may be prescribed to treat or reduce symptoms of diastolic heart failure. They include:
Surgery and Other ProceduresIf medications are not effective, your physician may recommend surgery. Diastolic heart failure surgery options include:
Lifestyle ChangesWhile you cannot prevent all types of diastolic heart failure, you can take steps to lower your risks for diseases or conditions that can lead to or complicate the condition. Be active: Moderate exercise helps circulation and decreases stress on your heart muscle. Eat a healthy diet: Limit sugar, saturated fat, cholesterol and salt, and eat plenty of fruit, vegetables, whole grains and low-fat dairy products. Get regular checkups: And, if you experience new or changing symptoms or side effects from medications, see your physician. Maintain a healthy weight: Losing weight and maintaining a healthy weight puts less stress on the heart. Reduce your alcohol intake: In some cases, you may need to stop drinking entirely. If you can drink, keep your intake low. Stop smoking: Smoking damages blood vessels, raises blood pressure, reduces the amount of oxygen in the blood and makes the heart beat faster. Take your medications as prescribed: If you’ve been prescribed a medication for diastolic heart failure or a causative condition, be sure to take it as prescribed. ComplicationsComplications of diastolic heart failure can lead to other conditions, including: Anemia: This condition that develops when your blood lacks enough healthy red blood cells or hemoglobin can cause weakness and fatigue. Atrial fibrillation: This irregular heart rhythm can increase the risk of stroke and blood clots. Cardiac cachexia: This unintentional weight loss can be life-threatening without supplemental nutrition. Impaired kidney function: Decreased kidney function is common in patients with heart failure, and it increases the risks for heart complications, hospitalization and death. Leg venous stasis and ulcers: Poor circulation can cause skin to thicken, change color and look shiny. Hair may fall out and ulcers can develop if you sustain an injury. Stroke: If the blood supply to the brain is decreased or cut off, the brain can be deprived of oxygen, causing cells to die. Diastolic vs Systolic Heart FailureDiastolic heart failure and systolic heart failure impact the heart in different ways, which leads to different treatments for each type of heart failure.
As far as treatments for systolic heart failure, there is a set of medications that are typically prescribed. Devices like an implantable cardiac defibrillator may also be used. With diastolic heart failure, treatment tends to involve identifying and treating the condition or conditions (hypertension, diabetes, etc.) behind the heart problem. With either type of heart failure, your doctor will likely recommend lifestyle changes. What is the difference between CHF and diastolic heart failure?If you have systolic heart failure, it means your heart does not contract effectively with each heartbeat. If you have diastolic heart failure, it means your heart isn't able to relax normally between beats. Both types of left-sided heart failure can lead to right-sided heart failure.
What is another name for diastolic heart failure?Diastolic heart failure, also known as heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), is a condition in which your heart's main pumping chamber (left ventricle) becomes stiff and unable to fill properly.
Is congestive heart failure systolic or diastolic?Congestive heart failure can be due to the following: Systolic dysfunction (reduced ejection fraction) Diastolic dysfunction (relaxation or filling abnormality)
Is diastolic dysfunction considered CHF?Congestive heart failure due to diastolic dysfunction is a common clinical entity, particularly in the elderly. As outlined, such patients fall into a larger group of all patients with CHF symptoms and normal systolic function.
|