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 mus t be distinguished from systolic abnormalities because treatment is si gnificantly different. Although prognosis is better with diastolic dys function than with systolic dysfunction, mortality and morbidity conti nue to be high in elderly patients. Drs Spencer and Lang describe the mechanisms, symptoms, diagnosis, and management of diastolic heart fai lure.