Which heart failure type is characterized by stiff ventricles and normal ejection fraction?

Diastolic heart failure, also known as heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), occurs when the ventricles become stiff and have difficulty relaxing and filling with blood during the diastolic phase of the cardiac cycle. In this condition, the ejection fraction remains within the normal range, typically above 50%. This is significant because it distinguishes diastolic heart failure from systolic heart failure, where the heart's pumping ability is impaired, resulting in a reduced ejection fraction.

In diastolic heart failure, the primary issue lies in the inability of the ventricles to expand adequately due to decreased compliance. Common causes include hypertension and aging, which contribute to myocardial stiffness. Understanding this condition is crucial, as it often presents with symptoms similar to systolic heart failure but requires different management strategies.