Stage B: Emergence of Structural Changes
As we traverse to Stage B of diastolic heart failure, the silent changes initiated in Stage A start revealing themselves. At this stage, the heart undergoes structural alterations, although the person may still remain asymptomatic.
The heart, in its response to the continuous pressure from Stage A risk factors, begins to transform structurally. This transformation might manifest as an enlarged heart, thickening of heart walls, or stiffening of the heart muscles. The changes, while still silent in terms of symptoms, are indicative of a heart that’s struggling and adapting to the continuous pressure.
These structural changes, while not yet causing noticeable symptoms, can be identified through diagnostic procedures such as an echocardiogram. It’s through such imaging studies that the silent narrative of Stage B is uncovered – a heart adapting to the relentless assault of uncontrolled risk factors.
Stage B, in essence, represents the crucial gateway between risk and explicit disease manifestation. It provides a window of opportunity for interventions to halt or slow down the disease progression. Effective management at this stage can reduce the risk of progression to symptomatic heart failure, emphasizing the value of early diagnosis and intervention. (2)
