diastolic dysfunction

disease

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Last updated

July 17, 2026

Quick Summary

Diastolic dysfunction refers to a condition where the heart's ventricles do not relax properly during diastole, the period of relaxation between heartbeats. This impaired relaxation leads to reduced filling of the heart chambers with blood.1

Diastolic dysfunction is a form of heart failure, a condition where the heart cannot pump blood effectively. This can cause blood to accumulate in the lungs and veins, leading to fluid buildup in tissues (edema) and reduced blood flow to the body's organs. Causes of heart failure include coronary artery disease, heart attacks, and high blood pressure.2

When the left ventricle becomes stiff, it requires higher pressure to fill, leading to increased pressure in the pulmonary veins. This can cause congestion in the lungs, making breathing difficult, especially during exertion.2

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heart failure
Pathology and symptoms
…does not relax normally (diastolic dysfunction); in some cases both conditions exist together. When less blood is pumped out of the heart with each contraction, the body activates compensatory mechanisms to maintain circulation to vital organs. One of the most significant responses occurs in the kidneys, which retain sodium…
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…does not relax normally (diastolic dysfunction); in some cases both conditions exist together. When less blood is pumped out of the heart with each contraction, the body activates compensatory mechanisms to maintain circulation to vital organs. One of the most significant responses occurs in the kidneys, which retain sodium…
Read More