Diastolic dysfunction


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Diastolic dysfunction


Diastolic heart failure occurs when the lower left chamber (left ventricle) is not able to fill properly with blood during the diastolic (filling) phase. The percentage of blood pumped out (ejection fraction) often is normal.

Diastolic dysfunction most often is caused by an incomplete relaxation (stiffness) of the ventricle muscle, which may develop from untreated high blood pressure.

Credits


Author Robin Parks, MS
Editor Kathleen M. Ariss, MS
Editor Marianne Flagg
Associate Editor Pat Truman, MATC
Associate Editor Terrina Vail
Primary Medical Reviewer Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Robert A. Kloner, MD, PhD - Cardiology
Last Updated August 25, 2008

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Last updated: August 25, 2008
Author: Robin Parks, MS
Reviewed By: Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine, Robert A. Kloner, MD, PhD - Cardiology
Editors: Marianne Flagg, Terrina Vail

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