Molecular mechanisms of diastolic dysfunction

Abstract

Heart failure is a clinical syndrome characterized by symptoms and signs of decreased tissue perfusion and increased tissue water. Defining the cause of this syndrome requires measurements of both systolic and diastolic functions. When abnormalities in diastolic function are predominant and abnormalities in hemodynamic pump function are absent or mild (e.g., preserved ejection fraction [EF]), this syndrome is called diastolic heart failure (DHF) or heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. © 2008 Springer-Verlag London Limited.