Confused about Stiff Heart, Diastolic Heart Failure, or HFpEF?

Hi,
I am a 50y female and have been diagnosed with Hfpef with ejection fraction above 50% a year ago . In July 2024, my echo showed grade 2 diastolic dysfunction, moderate MR and significant water retention. My symptoms were extreme exhaustion after a long flight and intolerance to exercise which did not get better in a week and lead me to my cardiologist. For background, in December 2023, I was experiencing high BP, headache, chest discomfort and echo showed mild MR and was prescribed with (lisnopril 10 mg). In 2018, echo (done due to chest pain and discomfort) showed diastolic dysfunction and hypertension ( BP medication was. prescribed and was stopped in few months due to low BP) and in 2007, right bundle branch block shown in echo done due to occasional chest pain and palpitations with other symptoms (no medicine was prescribed back in 2007). I have been very healthy otherwise with a habit of eating healthy, daily walk and yoga. Before July 2024, my daily routine was never impacted due to all the episodes above. My daily activities have been greatly compromised since July 2024 and it took almost an year to get used to new lifestyle ( to slow down when walk or talk ) have proper medication which keep my BP in check ( is not super low anymore). My struggle since July 2024 have been a very low BP, dizziness, extreme tiredness, experiencing symptoms even with little activities in daily routine , 0 exercise tolerance. The issue was with the medication prescribed before would bring the BP down ( systolic in 90s and diastolic in 40s). After trying different sets of heart medication, now since past three months I have had consistent vitals with (eplerenone 50 mg and Dapagliflozin 5 mg medication) and my BP now stays in 100s/60s consistently. However, due to 0 activity or exercise and with some water retention every now and then, my weight have gradually increased by 15 pounds in past one year. I am still struggling to get a routine of daily exercise ( specially in summer /outdoors as heat and humid trigger my symptoms shortness of breath, palpitations, nausea, dizziness, headache, chest pain and discomfort etc). Since I am feeling a bit better now with medication, my goal for this months is to get some indoor exercise in routine. My energy level changes drastically during the day from feeling perfectly fine to extremely tired and catching my breath. I am learning the needs of my new/ required life style. Getting a habit of slowing down. I am not sure about the stage I am currently in and what is going to be my life expectancy. I am happy to join this group and looking forward to receiving insights from other group members.

I have had congestive heart failure condition for at least 6 months. My a fib really ramped up at that time for a month or more along with edema, breathing issues, low exercise tolerance. My cardioligst suggested testing for these issues, so after 2 months of testing they discovered Amyloidsis. I am on some medication for this, Amvuttrato help stop the further progression of the staffing. I would urge that anyone with a stiffened heart look into testing for Amyloidsis!

I, too, have been diagnosed with HFpEF. My latest echo says "severe Grade 3 diastolic dysfunction". As others have said, I have edema, breathing issues, and low exercise tolerance. Along with this, I have AFib with RVR (rapid ventricular response). My EP has scheduled an ablation. I had hoped that the ablation will alleviate my shortness of breath. Now, however, I am concerned that it will continue due to the HFpEF. My cardiologist has not suggested testing for Amyloidsis. I am going to ask him when I see him. Thank you for the suggestion.

I was recently diagnosed with HFpEF. I have had Drs mention some stiffness in the heart but they always said it was normal and acted as it was nothing to worry about. I recently had CABG surgery and still have too much fluid on me. My new cardiologist named and explained HFpEF to me. Also explained that had to do with the slow removal of the fluid. I’m getting the impression that there isn’t very much that can be done. Diet, exercise, and some medication may slow the progression but nothing will stop it. I’m hoping to learn more from others who are experiencing this condition.