Diastolic heart failure is a condition where the heart has to work harder than its capacity to maintain normal blood pressure. This condition is also known as “heart failure.” The left ventricle enlarges and is unable to transmit blood at its natural rate; therefore, there is not sufficient blood to meet the body’s needs
Diastolic congestive heart failure can lessen the quality of life and even prove fatal if not given proper treatment.
What Does It Mean To Have A Diastolic Heart Failure?
You have increased filling pressure in this condition, meaning that the diastolic pressure, which normally lies between 40mmHg-60mmHg, reaches more than 100mmHg. This leads to difficulty in getting oxygen transported to the organs in your body.
It is hard for blood to enter the lungs and return to circulation. This leads to shortness of breath and fatigue. Luckily, oxygen therapy has proven to be beneficial for relieving this discomfort.
Symptoms of Diastolic Heart Failure
The doctor notes the patient’s height and weight, evaluates their neck size, goes over their medical history, and performs an EKG. Moreover, questions about any drug therapy they may be on are a must.
Signs and symptoms depend on the severity and may include:
- Disturbed night sleep with shortness of breath
- Breathlessness or shortness of breath while resting or work
- Wheezing
- Coughing with white or pink mucus/phlegm
- Concentration troubles
- Fatigue
- Swelling in the lower body – ankles, legs, feet, and/or abdomen due to fluid retention
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Irregular heartbeat
- Sudden unexplainable weight gain
Treatment Options
The major treatment routes taken for diastolic heart failure include lifestyle changes, medications, or surgery-angioplasty. They prevent further complications such as fluid accumulation or cardiac arrhythmia from happening.
Life Style Management
Changes in living style are of prime importance and the first line of treatment.
While preventing diastolic heart failure is impossible, you can take certain measures to lower the risk for diseases that may complicate the condition.
- Firstly, stay active by moderately exercising as it helps in blood circulation and reduces stress on your heart.
- Opt for a healthy diet; limit sugar intake along with saturated fats, cholesterol, and salt. On the other hand include, fruits, veggies, and whole grain products.
- Never miss an appointment, and explain any new or changing symptoms to your physician.
- A healthy diet, and healthy weight puts less stress on the heart.
- Smoking cessation can damage blood vessels, raising BP and making your heart beat faster.
- Do not miss a single dose of your medication for diastolic heart failure.
Medication
Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin II receptor antagonists (ACEI/ARB) are commonly used to treat symptoms of congestive heart failure.
They inhibit the renin-angiotensin system that is responsible for fluid retention. Fluid retention leads to increased pressure on the walls of the lungs and may lead to pulmonary edema.
ACEI/ARB also helps prevent congestion from worsening by inhibiting angiotensin II, constricting blood vessels and raising blood pressure.
Surgery
When lifestyle changes and medications do not make any marked difference, surgical options are always available.
Angioplasty removes plaque from arteries and cleans out clogged arteries by widening them or placing stents inside them. Another surgery, heart valve repair, or replacement surgery, can help correct diastolic heart failure.
Conclusion
Treatments work better when coupled with lifestyle modification. Practicing the changes mentioned above can help you live a better and fuller life. If you have more questions regarding this condition, give a call to one of the cardiologists from Epic Heart and Vascular Center at Epic Heart and Vascular Center for your troubles. Give us a call at Houston location 832 432 1951 and 832 952 1951 Willowbrook for an appointment.