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Diastolic Dysfunction Gr 2
About 4 weeks ago, I had an Echo performed which revealed that I have grade 2 Diastolic Dysfunction. I am a 57 year old female with a pending diagnosis for Scleroderma and wondered if this is something that needs further evaluation. This is the first time I have ever met with a cardiologist who said he would not worry about the finding until I displayed some symptoms, i.e., high BP, SOB, chest pain, etc. Just trying to be the best advocate that I can for myself. I would love to hear comments and/or advice.
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I don't have diastolic dysfunction, but read a little bit about it here: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/23434-diastolic-dysfunction
It sounds like some of the causes are treatable. Did your cardiologist discuss possible causes with you? It also sounds like there are some negative effects of leaving it untreated. But I am not a medical professional.
If what you describe is the entirety of what was discussed with your cardiologist, I'd consider getting a second opinion or at least discussing it with your PCP.
After my second covid infection I was diagnosed with diastolic heart failure. I just had more tests done as a follow up and the heart failure has resolved itself. Covid is a very strange concoction.
Hi, this post is interesting to me because I recently had an echo as part of a cardiac screening and found out I have Grade 1 diastolic dysfunction. The cardiologist felt it wasn't significant to the cardiac screening and was more concerned with the calcium score. My calcium score was zero. The cardiologist is not in my regular medical group and was only used for the cardiac screening in the effort to save time as the cardiology practice near my home only had appointments 3-4 months out. I would not go back to this practice as it's too far from my home.
I was concerned to hear about having diastolic dysfunction as I've never had hypertension or any cardiac issues and I'm not overweight or diabetic. I'm concerned about what caused it. I'm currently getting a workup for a blood disorder. I want to address the reason for the dysfunction if possible so it doesn't progress. "Aging" is not a good enough reason for me. I've been in excellent health.
My question is, does diastolic dysfunction alone warrant seeing a cardiologist on a regular basis if we have no symptoms? I currently have mild fatigue but that is all.
@followheart87
Hi,
I too have diastolic dysfunction; I believe mine is grade 2. I think cardiologists downplay this condition. I've done some research. and found that foods rich in nitric oxide help not only this condition, but other cardiovascular conditions as well. There are also nitric oxide supplements but I think the diet is the better way to go. Also, regular exercise, weight control, and managing cholesterol and blood pressure are all essential as well.
You need to be monitored by a cardiologist, so yes, you should see a cardiologist yearly.
I know it's confusing since you are in good health but it seems there is no other explanation in your case other than aging. My case is similar. I am 72, not diabetic or overweight, vegetarian for over 40 years, non smoker, non drinker. Who the hell knows.
Anyway, DD can lead to pulmonary hypertension down the road and you don't want that.
Thank you for your response, BCH. So you don't think Grade 1 diastolic dysfunction is too minor to start seeing a cardiologist regularly? I wasn't sure.
My blood pressure has always been 100-110s/60-70s. I am on the thin side and very fit and have no heart rhythm irregularities. Non smoker, don't drink.
I don't want pulmonary hypertension, that's for sure.
I was being checked for a blood disorder which could be a cause of the DD but it turns out that the disorder that I have is not one which affects the heart. As far as I know, I have no autoimmune disorders. I'm seeing a rheumatologist for osteoporosis but she said I have no autoimmune issue to cause that. So it's a mystery why I have DD. I do not agree that it's just "aging". My sibling is very close in age to me and doesn't have it. I know that isn't necessarily relevant but it just adds to the mystery.
@bitsygirl
thanks for the link. very helpful and gave me good questions to ask my cardiologist
@bch72
Thanks for info about nitric oxides. I do eat many of those foods but a good reminder to make sure they are a daily part of at least 2 meals daily. Like so many of the other comments I'm seeing, I'm frustrated because I am thin, exercise regularly (walk, bike, x-c ski...) eat a healthy diet, have always had low BP (90/60; 110/70 is high for me). I have restless leg syndrome for as long as I can remember and was recently prescribed meds for that as testing revealed I had 48.6 periodic limb movements/hour, so obviously wasn't getting good sleep. Sleep apnea is considered a contributor to DD so that may be why my heart is tired 🙂 At any rate, I'm going to ensure I am ingesting foods high in NO regularly so thanks for the recommendation.