Understanding Diastolic Heart Failure: Causes, Symptoms, and Management

What is it?

Diastolic heart failure is a condition that is characterized by a stiff left ventricle and problem with the heart relaxation. As a result, the heart does not fill as it should, causing the heart to pump less blood to the arteries and the body’s organs. Diastolic heart failure may be caused due to elevated blood pressure, diabetes, coronary artery disease and obesity. It is more common in older people.

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Additional names

This group contains additional names:
- Diastolic dysfunction
- Acute Diastolic Heart Failure

Signs & symptoms

Symptoms of diastolic heart failure may include shortness of breath, fatigue, edema in the legs, ankles, feet or abdomen, cough, tachycardia, nausea, dizziness and confusion.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of diastolic heart failure is based upon medical history, physical examination, echocardiogram, blood tests, and ECG. Other tests may include chest X-ray, stress test and heart catheterization.

Treatment

Treatment of diastolic heart failure may include lifestyle changes (eating a healthy diet, regular exercise, quit smoking) and medications such as diuretics, and medications that control blood pressure.

☝️ This is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult with your physician before making any medical decision.

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Source of Information - We analyze big data of more than 23 million patients de-identified medical records from the following sources:

National Institution of Health ∙ World Health Organization ∙ University of Illinois hospital