Acute Diastolic Heart Failure

Acute Diastolic Heart Failure (ADHF) is characterized by the heart's inability to fill properly during diastole, leading to elevated pressures in the heart and lungs. Key clinical points include: 1) It often presents with symptoms such as dyspnea, fatigue, and edema. 2) Commonly associated with conditions like hypertension and ischemic heart disease. 3) Diagnosis is supported by echocardiography showing preserved ejection fraction with diastolic dysfunction. 4) Patients may experience acute exacerbations requiring hospitalization. Etiologically, ADHF can result from chronic hypertension, myocardial ischemia, or restrictive cardiomyopathy. Pathophysiologically, impaired relaxation of the ventricles leads to increased left atrial pressure, pulmonary congestion, and systemic symptoms. Clinically, patients may present with acute shortness of breath, orthopnea, and paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea, often necessitating urgent medical intervention.