Diastolic heart failure, also known as heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), is a disorder in which the left ventricle, your heart’s primary pumping chamber, becomes stiff and bulky.
In diastolic heart failure, the heart does not relax well between the beats and is unable to fill properly. As a result, it cannot pump as much blood as it requires, implying that less blood is sent to the rest of the body.
Diastolic heart failure is one of two different types of left-sided heart failure. The other form is systolic heart failure, also known as heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), in which the left ventricle is weakened and unable to squeeze forcefully enough to pump blood throughout the body.
What is the function of the heart’s left ventricle?
There are four chambers in your heart: the right atrium and left atrium are on top, while the right ventricle and left ventricle are on the bottom. The right ventricle is responsible for pumping blood only to the lungs, while the left ventricle pumps blood to the rest of the body. The left ventricle is your heart’s thickest chamber.
What Causes Diastolic Heart Failure?
Blood vessels and the heart naturally stiffen with age. Therefore, the most frequent cause of this cardiac condition is age. Other causes are as follows:
- High Blood Pressure: High blood pressure causes the heart to work harder to pump blood throughout the body, which results in thickening or enlargement of the heart muscles.
- Diabetes: This condition raises the risk of heart failure and causes it to occur at a younger age.
- Obesity/Inactivity: Being overweight and inactive makes the heart work harder to pump blood throughout the body, increasing the risk of heart failure.
- Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): CAD occurs when plaque (like cholesterol) builds up and narrows the coronary arteries, which are the blood vessels that carry oxygen-rich blood from the lungs to the heart. It can reduce blood flow to the heart muscles, potentially leading to heart failure.
- Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): The risk of heart failure increases if your kidneys are unable to remove extra fluid from your body.
- Sleep Apnea: People with this condition do not breathe as much as they should during sleep. This can cause irregular heartbeats and low oxygen levels in the blood, which can be harmful to your heart over time.
- Atrial fibrillation (AFib): The lower chambers (ventricles) of your heart have to work harder when the upper chambers don’t beat rhythmically, which might gradually weaken them.
What are the symptoms of diastolic heart failure?
Diastolic heart failure shares several of the same symptoms as other forms of heart failure. They include:
- Fatigue or weakness
- Swelling (edema) in your feet, ankles, legs, or abdomen
- Lasting cough or wheezing
- Fast or irregular heartbeat
- Dizziness and confusion
- Frequent urination at night
- Nausea or lack of appetite
- Shortness of breath, especially when lying flat or with exertion
- Decreased exercise tolerance
How is diastolic heart failure diagnosed?
Your doctor will perform a physical examination and inquire about your medical history to determine whether you have heart failure. They will ask if you have the symptoms (mentioned above) and examine your heart with a stethoscope.
They may perform specific tests to diagnose heart failure, such as:
- Blood tests
- Chest X-ray – to take images of the chest and heart
- Electrocardiogram (EKG) – to the heart’s electrical activity
- Echocardiogram – an ultrasound to analyze the structure and function of the heart muscle and valves.
- Exercise stress test – increasing your heart rate while walking on a treadmill or taking medication to observe how your heart reacts.
- Cardiac catheterization – measuring the blood flow and pressure in your heart with a catheter, which is a narrow, hollow tube.
How is diastolic heart failure treated?
Treatment for diastolic heart failure frequently consists of both lifestyle changes and medication.
Lifestyle Changes
Your doctor may recommend that you adopt particular lifestyle changes. Developing healthy habits can enhance your heart’s function and improve your overall cardiovascular health. The following can help.
- Eat a low-sodium, heart-healthy diet
- Achieve and maintain a healthy weight
- Engage in regular exercise
- Eat more fresh foods
- Get quality sleep
- Manage stress
- Quit smoking and avoid tobacco products
- Manage or treat conditions that may lead to heart failure, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and sleep apnea.
Medication
Your doctor may prescribe medications as part of your treatment plan. Typical heart failure drugs for diastolic heart failure include the following:
- Diuretics, to help the body get rid of excess sodium and water
- Mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists, to help the body eliminate extra sodium while keeping potassium
- Medications to lower blood pressure
- SGLT2 inhibitors to treat diabetes
Is diastolic heart failure curable?
Diastolic heart failure has no known cure. However, it is manageable with treatment. Proper treatment can help you control your symptoms and improve your heart’s performance. Therefore, adhering to the treatment plan prescribed by your doctor is crucial.
How can you prevent diastolic heart failure?
Adopting the previously mentioned healthy habits is the best way to protect your heart and reduce your risk of diastolic heart failure. You can enhance your overall heart health and lower your chance of developing heart disease.
- Follow a heart-healthy diet plan.
- Engage in regular physical activity.
- Get better at managing stress.
- Quit smoking and alcohol..
- Try to have seven to eight hours of sleep each night.
- Manage conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.
- Visit your doctor regularly.
Key Takeaways
Diastolic heart failure occurs when the left ventricle of the heart becomes too rigid to pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs. As you age, your chance of diastolic heart failure rises. Additionally, if you have underlying medical issues like diabetes or high blood pressure, you may be at a higher risk. Although there is no known cure for diastolic heart failure, you can control its symptoms by modifying your lifestyle or taking heart medication. Many people with diastolic heart failure live a normal and active life.
How Chughtai Lab Supports Diastolic Heart Failure Diagnosis
Chughtai Lab offers a wide range of advanced diagnostic tests for diastolic heart failure, including echocardiography, electrocardiogram, BNP/NT-proBNP blood tests, and chest X-rays. With a reputation for accurate reporting, modern equipment, and highly qualified professionals, Chughtai Lab ensures reliable results you can trust. Our nationwide network of collection centers, quick turnaround times, and patient-focused care make it easier and more convenient for people to get tested and take timely steps toward better heart health.
Book your appointment by reaching out to us at Aap Ki Sehat Ka Number – 03-111-456-789 or visit your nearest Chughtai Lab.