About-Cardio
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We provide our users the most up-to-date and accurate information on the treatment and prevention of cardio pathologies in accordance with current American and European clinical guidelines.
The information provided on this website is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a licensed physician for diagnosis and treatment.
Chronic Diastolic Heart Failure (ICD-10: I50.31)
Introduction
Chronic Diastolic Heart Failure (HFpEF - Heart Failure with preserved Ejection Fraction) is a condition where the heart's ability to relax and fill properly is impaired, leading to symptoms of heart failure despite a normal ejection fraction.
Causes
- Hypertension – Long-term high blood pressure stiffens the heart muscle.
- Aging – With age, the heart can become less flexible.
- Diabetes – High blood sugar levels damage the heart muscle.
- Obesity – Excess weight puts extra strain on the heart.
- Coronary artery disease – Reduced blood supply can impair relaxation.
Symptoms
- Shortness of breath (especially during exertion or at night)
- Fatigue and weakness
- Swelling in legs, ankles, or abdomen
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat
Diagnosis
- Echocardiography – Assesses diastolic function and ejection fraction.
- BNP or NT-proBNP tests – Biomarkers that indicate heart strain.
- ECG & Stress Test – Detects electrical and functional issues. MRI and cardiac catheterization may be used in complex cases.
Treatment
Lifestyle Modifications
- Blood pressure control: Essential for reducing heart stiffness.
- Regular exercise: Improves heart function.
- Low-sodium diet: Reduces fluid retention.
- Weight management: Critical in obesity-related cases.
Medications
- Diuretics – Helps reduce fluid overload.
- Beta-blockers – Lowers heart rate and improves relaxation.
- ACE inhibitors/ARBs – Helps with blood pressure control.
- SGLT2 inhibitors – Newly recommended for heart failure and diabetes.
Advanced Therapies
- Implantable devices – Such as pacemakers in some cases.
- Heart transplant (rare cases) – If severe symptoms persist despite treatment.
Conclusion
Chronic diastolic heart failure requires a multidisciplinary approach, including lifestyle changes, medications, and careful monitoring. Proper management can significantly improve quality of life and reduce complications.
Source recommendations
1. American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Heart Failure Guidelines
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001063
- https://www.acc.org/Guidelines
- https://www.jacc.org/doi/10.1016/j.jacc.2023.12.024
- https://www.acc.org/education-and-meetings/products-and-resources/features/global-cv-institute/heart-failure-guidelines
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35363499/
2. European Society of Cardiology Guidelines on Heart Failure
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Acute-and-Chronic-Heart-Failure
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/42/36/3599/6358045
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Focused-Update-on-Heart-Failure-Guidelines
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/44/37/3627/7246292
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines
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If you or your loved ones experience any of these symptoms, you should consult a doctor in time. Remember that self-medication can be dangerous, and timely diagnosis will preserve the quality and life expectancy.
The heart is an organ that does not know how to "keep silent" if something goes wrong. Chest pain, shortness of breath, swelling, dizziness, and rhythm disturbances are the symptoms that require our attention. The best prevention of heart disease is careful attention to your health, regular checkups with a doctor, and a healthy lifestyle. Take care of your heart, and it will serve you for many years!
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Every 3-5 years, half of the scientific approaches to treatment in the field of cardiology are reviewed as a result of specialized scientific discoveries. With us, you don't have to wait these years to learn about the best ways to treat you and your loved ones.