Diastolic Dysfunction: What It Is and How to Manage It

Understanding Diastolic Dysfunction

Diastolic dysfunction is a condition that affects the heart's ability to fill with blood during the first part of the heartbeat. This occurs when the heart's ventricles become abnormally stiff, preventing them from relaxing as they should.

Diastolic Heart Failure

Diastolic heart failure occurs when the heart muscles do not relax properly between beats. This can lead to a number of symptoms, including shortness of breath, fatigue, and swelling in the legs and feet.

Left Ventricular Diastolic Dysfunction (LVDD)

Left ventricular diastolic dysfunction is a specific type of diastolic dysfunction that affects the left ventricle of the heart. The left ventricle is responsible for pumping oxygenated blood out to the body. LVDD can lead to a number of complications, including heart failure and stroke.

Managing Diastolic Dysfunction

There is no cure for diastolic dysfunction, but there are a number of things you can do to manage the condition and improve your quality of life. These include:

• Taking medications to improve heart function
• Losing weight if you are overweight or obese
• Exercising regularly
• Eating a healthy diet
• Quitting smoking

If you have diastolic dysfunction, it is important to see your doctor regularly for monitoring and to make sure your condition is being managed properly.