Deliberating the Diagnostic Dilemma of Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction

Jennifer E. Ho, Margaret M. Redfield, Gregory D. Lewis, Walter J. Paulus, Carolyn S.P. Lam

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

3 Scopus citations

Abstract

There is a lack of consensus on how we define heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), with wide variation in diagnostic criteria across society guidelines. This lack of uniformity in disease definition stems in part from an incomplete understanding of disease pathobiology, phenotypic heterogeneity, and natural history. We review current knowledge gaps and existing diagnostic tools and algorithms. We present a simple approach to implement these tools within the constraints of the current knowledge base, addressing separately (1) hospitalized individuals with rest congestion, where diagnosis is more straightforward; and (2) individuals with exercise intolerance, where diagnosis is more complex. Here, a potential role for advanced or provocative testing, including evaluation of hemodynamic responses to exercise is considered. More importantly, we propose focus areas for future studies to develop accurate and feasible diagnostic tools for HFpEF, including animal models that recapitulate human HFpEF, and human studies that both address a fundamental understanding of HFpEF pathobiology, and new diagnostic approaches and tools, as well. In sum, there is an urgent need to more accurately define the syndrome of HFpEF to inform diagnosis, patient selection for clinical trials, and, ultimately, future therapeutic approaches.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1770-1780
Number of pages11
JournalCirculation
Volume142
Issue number18
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 3 2020

Keywords

  • diagnosis
  • exercise test
  • heart failure

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Physiology (medical)

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