Diastolic Dysfunction: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments

Written by Medicover Team and Medically Reviewed by Dr Damodhar Reddy Gouni , Cardiologist

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Diastolic dysfunction is a heart condition where the heart has trouble relaxing and filling with blood between beats. It mainly affects the left ventricle and can lead to heart failure over time. Early detection is key, as symptoms may be mild at first but can worsen without treatment.

What Are the Symptoms and Warning Signs of Diastolic Dysfunction?

Symptoms can develop gradually and may be mistaken for general fatigue or aging. Paying attention to early signs can help with timely diagnosis.

Common Symptoms

• Shortness of breath (especially when lying down or during activity)
• Fatigue and tiredness
• Swelling in the legs, ankles, or feet
• Difficulty with physical activity
• Rapid or irregular heartbeat

Severe Symptoms

• Shortness of breath at rest
• Chest discomfort
• Persistent swelling and fluid retention

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What Are the Common Causes and Risk Factors of Diastolic Dysfunction?

Diastolic dysfunction is often the result of long-standing health conditions or lifestyle habits that affect the heart muscle's ability to relax.

Causes

• High blood pressure (hypertension)
• Coronary artery disease
• Diabetes and diabetic heart disease
• Aging and natural heart stiffening
• Obesity
• Chronic kidney disease

Risk Factors

• Age over 60
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Poor diet and smoking
• Sleep apnea
• Long-term medication use that affects heart function

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How is Diastolic Dysfunction Diagnosed?

Early diagnosis helps prevent complications like heart failure. At Medicover, we use the latest tools and expert evaluations.

Diagnostic Methods Include

• Medical history and physical exam: Listening to heart sounds and checking for fluid buildup
• Echocardiography: Key test to assess heart structure and how well the heart fills with blood
• Doppler ultrasound: Measures how blood flows through heart valves
• Cardiac MRI: Gives detailed heart images and detects tissue stiffness or scarring
• Blood tests: BNP or NT-proBNP levels indicate heart stress or failure

At Medicover, our cardiologists combine the latest high-resolution imaging and lab results to provide the most complete evaluation for your heart and deliver the best-prepared treatment available today.

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What Are the Treatment Options for Diastolic Dysfunction?

Treatment focuses on controlling the root causes, reducing symptoms, and protecting heart function.

Lifestyle Modifications

• Follow a heart-healthy diet (low in salt and unhealthy fats)
• Get regular, gentle exercise like walking or swimming
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Quit smoking and limit alcohol
• Manage stress and sleep health

Medications

• Antihypertensives: ACE inhibitors, ARBs, or calcium channel blockers
• Diuretics: To reduce swelling and fluid buildup
• Beta-blockers: To slow heart rate and improve relaxation
• Aldosterone antagonists: To reduce fibrosis and improve symptoms

Advanced Therapies (if needed)

• Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy (CRT): Helps improve heart rhythm and function
• Heart transplant: In rare, end-stage cases

At Medicover, we offer individual care plans, combining medications, therapy, and heart health coaching to ensure optimal recovery.

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When Should You See a Doctor?

See a doctor if you experience:

• Breathlessness during mild activity or at rest
• Unexplained fatigue or swelling
• Difficulty exercising due to discomfort

Who's at Higher Risk?

• People over 60
• Those with high blood pressure, diabetes, or heart disease
• Individuals who are overweight or have a sedentary lifestyle

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What Is the Recovery Process After Diastolic Dysfunction Treatment?

Recovery focuses on improving daily function and keeping the heart strong with continued care.

Follow-up Includes

• Regular check-ups and imaging tests
• Blood pressure and symptom monitoring
• Adjustments to medication

Lifestyle Support

• Diet changes (low-sodium meals)
• Moderate daily exercise
• Weight and fluid tracking

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What Precautions Can Help Prevent Diastolic Dysfunction?

You can lower your risk through smart daily habits and early health checks.

Prevention Tips

• Keep your blood pressure and blood sugar under control
• Eat a balanced, low-salt diet
• Exercise regularly
• Quit smoking and limit alcohol
• Get enough sleep and manage stress

Possible Complications (If Untreated)

• Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF)
• Chronic fluid buildup
• Increased risk of hospitalization or heart-related death

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Our Experience Treating Diastolic Dysfunction

At Medicover, we're dedicated to providing individual, evidence-based care for every heart patient. From early diagnosis to advanced treatments, our expert cardiology team provide care with empathy, precision and a commitment to long-term guidance to enable your heart to do more, and your life to feel easier.

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