Diastolic heart failure - What primary care physicians need to know

Congestive heart failure caused by abnormal diastolic function may be far more common than previously recognized. The diastolic disorder must be distinguished from systolic abnormalities because treatment is significantly different. Although prognosis is better with diastolic dysfunction than with systolic dysfunction, mortality and morbidity continue to be high in elderly patients. Drs Spencer and Lang describe the mechanisms, symptoms, diagnosis, and management of diastolic heart failure.