Content provided in partnership with

Diastolic dysfunction increases risk for heart failure - Brief Article

More than 25% of adults older than age 45 have diastolic dysfunction (ie, an abnormality in the way their heart fills with blood), which puts them at increased risk for premature death, according to a Jan 8, 2003, news release from the Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. A study of 2,042 randomly selected participants from one Minnesota county found that individuals with diastolic dysfunction are eight to 10 times more likely to die within five years than individuals whose hearts fill normally. Many people associate heart failure with a weakly pumping heart (ie, systolic failure). This study shows that nearly 50% of heart failure patients' hearts pump normally; however, their hearts are stiff and do not relax to fill with blood properly.

Most Popular Articles in Health: Fuel your workout: exercisers who eat before they work out have more energy ...; Soothe a dry, itchy scalp: 5 easy expert solutions; Cocktails and calories: Beer, wine and liquor calories can really add up. ...; The sour truth about apple cider vinegar - evaluation of therapeutic use; The, six best supplements you've never heard of: these secret weapons can ...; More »

Many people who have diastolic dysfunction are not diagnosed and may not exhibit symptoms, according to the release. More research is needed to discover cost-effective screening techniques that can be used to detect diastolic dysfunction. Research also should focus on treating the condition before it becomes heart failure. Emphasis should be placed on decreasing known risk factors, such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol, which can be treated with diet, physical activity, and medication. Heart failure is an end-stage syndrome that arises from cardiovascular diseases, including hypertension, coronary artery disease, and cardiomyopathies. Symptoms include shortness of breath, fatigue, leg swelling, and heart rhythm problems.

Mayo Clinic Study Shows One in Four Have Precursor to Heart Failure (news release, Rochester, Minn: The Mayo Clinic, Jan 8, 2003) http://www.moyoclinic.org/news 2003-rst/1591.html. (accessed 21 Jan 2003).

Health Care Industry

Diastolic dysfunction increases risk for heart failure - Brief Article

AORN Journal, March, 2003

Find Research Guides for:

Find Featured Titles for: News

Most Popular Articles in Health

Most Popular Publications in Health