Diastolic heart failure

Updated: 2024-12-18

Description

A type of left-sided heart failure; also called heart failure with preserved ejection fraction.

Overview

In diastolic heart failure, the heart's lower left chamber can't relax or fill fully with blood. The heart can't supply enough blood to meet the body's needs.

Symptoms

Symptoms may include shortness of breath, wheezing, and a cough that doesn't go away or brings up white or pink mucus. Rapid weight gain is another symptom. The belly, legs, ankles and feet may swell. Other symptoms may include tiredness, weakness, rapid or irregular heartbeat, nausea, and lack of appetite.

Treatments

Treatment may depend on the cause. It often includes lifestyle changes and medicines. Surgery may be done to open blocked arteries or place a device to help the heart pump blood better. Some people with heart failure need a heart transplant.