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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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Ive had HF for almost 8 years, my EF was 20 and at last check i was 49. I had an aortic valve replaced, ICD, meds that I responded well to, diet and exercise. And good dr. I worried about my EF but that doesn't help. I would suggest people focus on how you feel and let the dr. Worry about the numbers
I have combined systolic/diastolic chf newly diagnosed in July with emergency respiratory failure and pneumonia. Have mitral regurgitation for 2 years as well and now experiencing dizziness, very low blood pressures and wondering if it’s from my new meds or the new conditions. Anyone with experience in this area who can share their thoughts, experiences? Thanks in advance!
I appreciate Dr. Timimi's explanation. I have a normal EF over 60, but my doctor said I have Diastolic Heart Failure. I had never heard of this before. He has recommended some of the newer meds on the market designed for other conditions (Jardiance, for example). However, my cost is over $1000 per month, and I can't do that. Is there anything else I can do for DHF? I am short of breath on exertion, but I don't know if it is due to the DHF or something else. Like dcain01, I would appreciate hearing about someone's experience with this and what their limitations are and what can be done to help. Thank you!