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Confused about Stiff Heart, Diastolic Heart Failure, or HFpEF?
Nearly half of all patients with heart failure have a normal EF or ejection fraction. EF is a percentage of how much blood the left ventricle pumps out with each contraction. Why is that?
To get some answers, and with Valentine’s Day just around the corner (what better way to celebrate than by learning about your heart), we sat down with Mayo Clinic cardiologist and heart failure specialist, Dr. Farris Timimi. In this video, Dr. Timimi explains the phenomenon of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction or HFpEF.
Do you have heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (sometimes called Stiff Heart or Diastolic Heart Failure)? What limitations have you experienced with a HFpEF diagnosis? What has helped you?
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I was diagnosed with HFpEF this year at Mayo. I also have AFib, hypoxia (low blood oxygen), and chronic kidney disease. All new diagnosis since 2020, possibly related to Covid.
I am getting better with these personal goals.
Diet - Healthy low carb diet with intermittent fasting. Lose 10 pounds. Extra body fat increases stress on the heart. I also take extra vitamins.
Dr. Barry Borlaug’s presentation on HFpEF was very helpful.
Exercise - Improve strength, endurance, and functional status. I see a local physical therapist and she incorporates balance training, diaphragm breathing, strength, and tips for aerobic activities. I pair my exercises to my daily routine and break them into small segments throughout the day. Medicare covers my visits for osteopenia, balance issues, and ankle pain.
Dr. Mark Haykowsky explains the importance of exercise in HFpEF.
Sleep - Get the right amount of sleep. I need a nap every afternoon. I am up early doing exercises and daily tasks, then a nap by 1 pm. Aerobic exercise for 1 hour at a lower heart rate.
The results are encouraging. I have reduced my dependence on oxygen and I hope to be off oxygen in the near future. I am stronger and I have greater endurance for activities I enjoy. My AFib episodes have decreased and so have my meds. I monitor my blood pressure, heart, ecg, and blood oxygen level. All my numbers are better with consistent focus on making small lifestyle changes.
I can’t take all the meds that have been suggested for me, like beta blockers, I have low blood pressure and sometimes my heart rate gets too low and I pass out. Talk to your doctor if the meds are making you feel worse. Keep home records.
I hope everyone can find the support they need to feel better and still enjoy life with heart failure.
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4 Reactions@janet23 Congratulations Janet for being so proactive I just finished exercise ready for 😴 That's the key to good health exercise
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1 ReactionI admire your unbelievable organization and Will power! You could be a health coach for those of us with a heart failure! Really really admire you! Well done!
HFpEF and CO
is it always a low cardiac output state in HFpEF ?
Welcome, Sam. I see you have questions about HFpEF. I moved your post to this existing discussion:
- Confused about Stiff Heart, Diastolic Heart Failure, or HFpEF?: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/confused-about-stiff-heart-diastolic-heart-failure-or-hfpef/
I think you'll find the opening video helpful as well as the many responses. Is this a new cardiac issue for you?
Thank you for that incredibly great information and inserting those two videos! My husband and I are going to listen to both of them! Super helpful thank you thank you!
I am glad to hear the information I shared has been helpful, and I will post an update soon with tips I have learned. I am now jogging indoors, 6 miles at a pace of 11-13 minute miles without oxygen! I never thought it was possible. I am not an athlete, just a 69 year old female with the desire to have a better quality of life while living with HFpEF, PH, arrhythmias, tricuspid valve regurgitation, chronic kidney disease, and ascending aortic aneurysm. I am grateful to all the clinicians and therapists who have helped me along this journey to improved health.
Diagnosed with HFpEF and PH (Pulmonary Hypertension) in March, 2016 at Mayo in Rochester. Today's date is Jan 3, 2024
Major difficulty is fatigue and shortness of breath. I have now added water retention.
I am male born November 1942. Can you add ant encouragement... also I am taking anti depression med daily .
May gratitude fill your days. L.F.
Hi @12regina12,
I'm sorry to hear you are having more symptoms.
Are you on home oxygen, a specific diet, or exercise program? Do you monitor your oxygen level and heart rate at home?
I would love to join this discussion group involving HFpEF. I was diagnosed with this 2 years ago following my septal myectomy in 2020 for HOCM. It was curious that I did not seem to fully recover from the surgery. When I was diagnosed with HFpEF it finally made sense on what was going on. I am very frustrated on not being able to exercise without getting out of breath and light headed. I am 74, in otherwise good health, live on a farm, and try to live an active life. I welcome the opportunity to connect with this group.