Diastolic Dysfunction
Monday August 10, 2009
More and more people today are being told that they have "diastolic dysfunction" (or diastolic heart failure.) Diastolic dysfunction occurs when the ventricles of the heart become relatively "stiff," and thus it becomes relatively difficult to fill the ventricles with blood in between heart beats. Read what causes diastolic dysfunction, how it is diagnosed, what it means to have it, and how it is treated, here.
Comments
i would like to add an additional possible cause of diastlic dysfunction–the invasive laser surgical procedure called a “T. M. R.” (Transmyocardial Revascularization ); this procedure is done on some patients to help promote small “internal” vessel growth to the left ventrical (to help with known angina) by way of laser-drilling numerous small holes into the left ventricle. This was based on studies done that showed that repitles’ hearts have an internal blood supply , as compared to that of humans, with an external blood supply. However, in some patients (possibly those more prone to develop keloid scars), couldn’t it be possible that considering the heart muscle has had all those holes made, scar tissue will develop, thus rendering the left ventricle “stiff” ?
Dear Doctor:
I have recently been diagnosed with LV diastolic dysfunction. I had open heart surgery in February of this year and had my aortic valve replaced.
I understand there are different phases of this dysfunction. Can you perhaps tell me more about the length of these phases. I am now considered “mild”.
Thank you for your article and help.
Very informative post… liked it
I just had a echocardiogram for svt’s and pvc’s. It said suggestion of diastolic dysfuction and my left ventricle measurements were not in the normal range either. Should this be concerning even if it states normal, but with the diastolic dysfuction?
My mother is 85 years old last November she was told her left ventricle had slowed down, it didn’t open and close as fast as it should. Just a month ago I took to the hospital and they said she was just old. She can’t walk across a room without being SOB and then the pitch of her voice goes up and she studders terribly. I think she has diastolic disfunction, but her doctor just gets mad at the suggestion. She says my mom is old. To me that is a cop out.
What do you think Thanks