Echocardiographic Features of Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction

Abstract

The ejection fraction (EF) is at or above 50% in about half of heart failure patients.  The etiology of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is still somewhat contentious, and there are no evidence-based management guidelines in place, despite the condition's high prevalence, morbidity, and economic impact. Older women with a history of systolic hypertension, many of whom have heart hypertrophy and obesity, make up the bulk of HFpEF patients. Only a small percentage of them acquire clinical HFpEF, and the majority do not exhibit any heart failure (HF) symptoms, even if they may have preclinical disease. Increased ventricular end-systolic stiffness (elastance), vascular stiffening (17–19), and abnormal diastolic function have all been linked, although it's not obvious which characteristics are most distinct and independent.