Improving outcomes in diastolic heart failure. Techniques to evaluate underlying causes and target therapy.
Abnormal diastolic function is a common cause of clinical heart failure, particularly among elderly patients. Through early diagnosis and careful management of diastolic dysfunction, these patients can expect improved functional capacity and, in some cases, a favorable long-term outcome. In this article, Drs Torosoff and Philbin discuss how to confirm the diagnosis of diastolic heart failure through objective testing. Current approaches to the treatment of symptoms, including reduction of intravascular volume, heart rate control, and elimination of precipitating factors, are also presented.
Torosoff
Mikhail
M
Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Albany Medical College, Albany, New York, USA.
Philbin
Edward F
EF
D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003971:Diastole / Q000502:physiology; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D011379:Prognosis; D018487:Ventricular Dysfunction, Left / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology
D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors