Diastolic Dysfunction and Heart Failure

As many as 50% of older patients with heart failure may have isolated diastolic dysfunction. Distinguishing diastolic from systolic heart failure is essential because the optimal therapy for one may aggravate the other. With early diagnosis and proper management, the prognosis of diastolic dysfunction is more favorable than that of systolic dysfunction. The information in this issue is aimed at helping physicians to diagnose and treat diastolic dysfunction.