Diastolic dysfunction of the left ventricle: from physiopathology to treatment
Karpuz, H.; Kappenberger, L.; Jeanrenaud, X.
Praxis 86(7): 246-250
1997
ISSN/ISBN: 1661-8157 PMID: 9139342 Document Number: 475566
Our understanding of cardiac failure has greatly changed over the last 15 years. Left ventricular diastolic dysfunction, which is now recognised as one of the primary causes of certain types of cardiac failure (1). Abnormal left ventricular diastolic function is the common determinant and indeed the earliest sign of all chronic left ventricular failures whether systolic left ventricular dysfunction is associated with it or not (2). In this paper, we review the basis of diastolic dysfunction and its impact on diagnosis and treatment of cardiac failure.