You’ve probably heard of heart failure before, but diastolic heart failure? That one often flies under the radar. If you or someone you love has been feeling unusually tired, short of breath, or unable to do things they once could, this might be the silent culprit.
Introduction
Heart failure doesn’t mean the heart has stopped; it means it’s not functioning as efficiently as it should. It indicates that the heart’s pumping ability is reduced, limiting its ability to meet the body’s needs. Roughly 6.7 million adults in the U.S. are currently living with some form of heart failure. In diastolic heart failure, your heart still pumps, but the ventricles don’t relax enough to fill with blood. This reduces the heart’s ability to supply enough blood to the rest of the body.
This blog explores what diastolic heart failure really means, its symptoms, what causes it, how it’s treated, and why paying attention to it could make a big difference in your health.
Also Read: Systolic vs Diastolic Heart Failure: Paradigms to Heart Health
What Does Diastolic Heart Failure Feel Like? H2
Diastolic heart failure symptoms can be sneaky. At first, you may just feel a little more winded going upstairs. Over time, the signs become harder to ignore:
- Individuals may notice difficulty breathing during physical exertion or while resting flat.
- Feeling tired all the time
- Swelling in the legs, feet, or ankles
- A rapid or irregular heartbeat
- Trouble exercising or being physically active
Moreover, people with chronic diastolic heart failure often feel a heavy sense of fatigue, even after a full night’s sleep.
In addition, they may notice weight gain from fluid retention. These changes often creep in slowly, making it hard to recognize something’s wrong.
The truth is, if you keep attributing these signs to aging, you could overlook an opportunity to seek proper treatment.
If you or someone you know is suffering from symptoms of heart failure, consider enrolling in clinical trials being conducted by Revival Research Institute.
Next, let’s talk about what causes this type of heart failure in the first place.
What Causes Diastolic Heart Failure?
Various medical issues can interfere with how well the heart relaxes during its resting phase. The most common ones include:
- High blood pressure stands out as a major reason behind diastolic heart failure. Over time, it stiffens the heart muscle, making it harder for the ventricles to relax.
- Moreover, diabetes and obesity add to the stress on your heart, increasing your risk. A thickened and rigid heart muscle becomes less able to expand and contract efficiently. As a result, it struggles to fill up with blood during the relaxation phase.
- In older adults, even without other health problems, aging alone can lead to chronic diastolic heart failure. That’s because the heart naturally loses some of its ability to relax as we grow older.
- Sometimes, underlying conditions like sleep apnea or certain types of valve disease can also contribute.
If you have more than one of these risk factors, it’s not just about one problem, it’s the combined effect that raises concern.
So, how do doctors even figure out if someone has diastolic heart failure? Let’s move on and look at how it’s diagnosed.
Also Read: Can Kidney Failure Cause Heart Failure?
How is Diastolic Heart Failure Diagnosed?
It’s not always easy to catch diastolic heart failure early. The symptoms can mimic other conditions. But doctors have a few tools to help make the call:
- Echocardiogram: This ultrasound test looks at how well your heart fills and pumps blood.
- Electrocardiogram (ECG): It checks the heart’s rhythm and electrical activity.
- Blood tests: Certain markers, like BNP or NT-proBNP, can suggest heart failure.
- Stress tests or cardiac MRI: These helps check your heart under pressure or in more detail.
Additionally, doctors consider your medical history and physical exam. They may look for swollen ankles, listen for fluid in your lungs, or check for rapid heartbeats.
Here’s a key point, diastolic heart failure symptoms don’t always scream “heart problem.” That’s why a proper diagnosis is so important.
Moreover, if your symptoms don’t improve with basic treatment or if you keep feeling worse, ask your doctor for a full heart function check-up. Early diagnosis is the first step toward better outcomes.
Let’s now explore how diastolic heart failure is managed and what treatments actually help.
What Are Your Treatment Options?
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution for diastolic heart failure. But the good news? It can be managed with a mix of medication, lifestyle changes, and regular follow-ups.
Medications commonly used include:
- Diuretics: Help your body get rid of excess fluid.
- Blood pressure medications: Like beta-blockers or ACE inhibitors.
- Aldosterone antagonists: Reduce heart strain and swelling.
Moreover, treatment often focuses on managing underlying issues like high blood pressure, obesity, or diabetes.
In addition to medication, lifestyle changes make a big difference:
- Lowering salt intake to reduce fluid buildup
- Getting regular (but safe) exercise
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Managing stress through relaxation or therapy
Well, what if symptoms don’t go away? In that case, your doctor may suggest more advanced options like implantable devices or clinical trials for newer treatments.
Many patients with chronic diastolic heart failure feel better once their symptoms are under control. However, it takes time, consistency, and support.
More importantly, it’s not just about living longer, it’s about feeling better day to day.
So, can you prevent diastolic heart failure from happening in the first place? Let’s talk about prevention next.
Can Diastolic Heart Failure Be Prevented?
Yes, in many cases, you can lower your risk of diastolic heart failure. Prevention often starts with everyday choices.
Here are some steps that help:
- Control your blood pressure. It’s the number one risk factor.
- Stay active. Regular movement strengthens your heart.
- Eat heart-friendly foods. Go for whole grains, fruits, veggies, and low-sodium options.
- Keep your weight in check. Obesity increases heart strain.
- Limit alcohol and avoid smoking. Both can worsen heart issues.
Effectively treating ongoing health issues such as diabetes or sleep apnea can significantly improve heart function.
Also, routine medical visits are important, even when you don’t have any noticeable symptoms. Many people don’t know if they have high blood pressure or pre-diabetes until the damage has already started.
While age and genetics are beyond your control, your daily habits and choices are not. Small steps today could help you avoid chronic diastolic heart failure tomorrow.
Now, let’s wrap things up with a quick recap and what to do next.
Final Thoughts
Diastolic heart failure might not be as well-known as other heart conditions, but it’s just as serious. From early symptoms to long-term management, every part of the journey matters.
Now that you understand the signs, causes, and treatments, the next move is yours. Talk to your doctor if you’ve noticed changes in how you feel. Ask questions. Get tested. And don’t wait for symptoms to get worse.
