HFpEF stands for heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. It is a type of heart failure where the heart's pumping function is normal, but the heart muscle is stiff and cannot relax properly. This stiffness makes it harder for the heart to fill with blood, leading to symptoms of heart failure.
What is heart failure?
Heart failure is a condition where the heart cannot pump blood effectively to meet the body's needs. This can lead to various symptoms, including:
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue
- Swelling in the legs and ankles
- Rapid heartbeat
How is HFpEF different from other types of heart failure?
In traditional heart failure, called heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), the heart muscle is weakened and cannot pump blood efficiently. This leads to a lower ejection fraction, which is the percentage of blood pumped out of the heart with each beat. In HFpEF, the ejection fraction is normal or even high, but the heart muscle is stiff and cannot relax properly.
What causes HFpEF?
The exact cause of HFpEF is not fully understood, but it is thought to be caused by a combination of factors, including:
- High blood pressure: This can damage the heart muscle over time.
- Diabetes: This can lead to damage to the blood vessels and heart.
- Obesity: This can put extra strain on the heart.
- Age: HFpEF is more common in older adults.
What are the symptoms of HFpEF?
HFpEF can cause a variety of symptoms, including:
- Shortness of breath: This is often worse when lying down.
- Fatigue: This can make it difficult to perform daily activities.
- Swelling in the legs and ankles: This is caused by fluid buildup.
- Rapid heartbeat: This is often felt when the heart is working harder to pump blood.
How is HFpEF diagnosed?
HFpEF is diagnosed based on a combination of:
- Medical history: This includes information about your symptoms and any other medical conditions you have.
- Physical exam: This includes listening to your heart and lungs.
- Echocardiogram: This is an ultrasound of the heart that shows how well it is pumping.
- Other tests: These may include blood tests, chest X-rays, and stress tests.
How is HFpEF treated?
There is no cure for HFpEF, but there are treatments that can help manage the symptoms and improve quality of life. These treatments may include:
- Medications: These may include diuretics to reduce fluid buildup, ACE inhibitors to lower blood pressure, and beta-blockers to slow the heart rate.
- Lifestyle changes: These may include losing weight, quitting smoking, and managing high blood pressure and diabetes.
- Cardiac rehabilitation: This is a program that helps you improve your heart health through exercise and education.
What is the outlook for people with HFpEF?
The outlook for people with HFpEF varies depending on the severity of the condition and other factors. However, with proper treatment and lifestyle changes, many people with HFpEF can live long and healthy lives.
