Introduction: Understanding Diastolic Heart Failure
At the heart of our cardiovascular system is, well, the heart, ceaselessly working to pump oxygen-rich blood to every cell in our body. However, what happens when this vital organ begins to falter? When it starts to struggle with a particular phase of its process, the filling, or diastolic phase? This article aims to unpack this condition known as diastolic heart failure, its symptoms, and its implications.
Diastolic heart failure, also known as heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), is a medical condition characterized by the inability of the heart to fill properly. Despite the term “heart failure”, the heart doesn’t entirely stop functioning. Instead, the ventricle, or lower chamber of the heart, becomes stiffer than normal. As a result, the heart can’t fill with enough blood during its resting phase (diastole). Consequently, despite pumping out blood adequately, the heart doesn’t receive sufficient blood, thereby leading to several symptoms.
Often, this type of heart failure is confused with systolic heart failure. However, in systolic failure, the heart can’t pump or eject blood adequately. Diastolic failure, on the other hand, is about an issue in receiving, not ejecting.
What Sets Diastolic Heart Failure Apart?
Although it may seem like a minor issue, this stiffness in the heart muscle can have significant consequences for a person’s overall health. The rigid heart muscle means that the pressure inside the ventricle can increase, pushing the blood backward into the lungs and the rest of the body. This backflow can cause an array of symptoms that can drastically affect a person’s quality of life and longevity.
Understanding diastolic heart failure is crucial because it’s a common condition, especially among older adults. The American Heart Association notes that more than half of all heart failure patients have HFpEF. Moreover, it’s been observed that women are more likely than men to develop this type of heart failure.
The Importance of Recognizing Diastolic Heart Failure
Given its prevalence, it’s essential to understand and recognize diastolic heart failure’s symptoms. The sooner the condition is diagnosed, the better the chances of managing it effectively and improving the patient’s quality of life. While these symptoms can be somewhat elusive, learning to identify them is the first step toward early detection and treatment.
Now that we have introduced diastolic heart failure and underscored its importance, let’s delve into its most common symptoms. It’s crucial to remember that these symptoms may vary in intensity from person to person, and having these symptoms doesn’t automatically mean a person has diastolic heart failure. However, if you notice these signs, it’s essential to seek medical advice.
Symptom 1: Shortness of Breath (Dyspnea)
One of the primary symptoms that manifests in diastolic heart failure is shortness of breath, clinically termed as Dyspnea. It’s especially prevalent during physical exertion or when lying flat. The reason behind it lies in the basic understanding of the condition. As the heart struggles to fill adequately during the diastolic phase, it can’t pump sufficient blood to meet the body’s demands.
A common consequence of this compromised cardiac functionality is fluid accumulation or congestion in the lungs. The lungs, which are responsible for oxygenating the blood, end up receiving a surplus of fluid instead of blood, making it hard for patients to breathe. This fluid build-up can cause a person to feel like they’re not getting enough air, often resulting in distressing bouts of breathlessness.
Moreover, people with diastolic heart failure might also experience paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea. This condition refers to sudden, severe shortness of breath that wakes a person from sleep, prompting them to sit or stand to alleviate the symptom. This symptom shouldn’t be ignored, as it’s indicative of a severe heart condition requiring immediate attention.
On a more general note, any persistent or unexplained shortness of breath warrants a thorough medical evaluation. If you’ve noticed this symptom in yourself or a loved one, it would be wise to consult a healthcare provider without delay. (1)
