Systolic Versus Diastolic Dysfunction

Abstract The intricate interplay between systolic and diastolic function is required for maintaining adequate cardiac output. Any impairment in systolic and diastolic function can lead to the clinical syndrome of heart failure. Isolated systolic and diastolic dysfunction are independent risk factors for adverse cardiovascular outcomes. The hallmark of systolic dysfunction is reduced ejection fraction. Diastolic dysfunction is characterized by impaired relaxation and/or increased chamber stiffness. The clinical syndrome of heart failure secondary to systolic dysfunction is termed as heart failure with reduced Ejection fraction (HFrEF), and heart failure in the presence of diastolic dysfunction with normal or near-normal ejection fraction (>50%) is termed as heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Diagnosis of systolic and diastolic dysfunction is made with echocardiography.