Background: Heart failure (HF) represents a major health concern with a severe outcome despite modern therapies. In more than 50% of cases left ventricular (LV) systolic function is preserved. Methods: 19 patients (7 male,12 female) fulfilling the criteria for heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFPEF) (EF>50%), underwent 2D echocardiography, metabolic and clinical evaluation. Diastolic function was characterized as delayed relaxation pattern, pseudo normal or restrictive. Results: Mean age of the patients was 62 ± 13 years. 14 patients had delayed relaxation pattern, 2 patients had pseudonormal pattern, and 3 patients had restrictive. There were no significant association regarding the severity of diastolic dysfunction with glucose levels, lipids and systolic or diastolic blood pressure values. 4 patients had high NYHA class heart failure, and 3 pts from this group associated restrictive pattern and atrial fibrillation. Conclusions: The most common diastolic dysfunction was the delayed relaxation pattern. Higher NYHA class was associated with restrictive pattern and with the presence of atrial fibrillation.
Keywords: heart failure, cardiovascular risk factors, diastolic function