Prevalence of diastolic dysfunction in patient with heart failure symptoms

Background: Diastolic dysfunction is considered as an etiologic factor in congestive heart failure (CHF) and must be diagnosed from systolic dysfunction. Objective: To determine the incidence of diastolic dysfunction in CHF and to study variable factors such as age, sex and heart rate on Doppler echo parameters. Methods: Through a descriptive and random sampling study, 105 patients including 55 females and 50 males with HF were studied by two dimentional, Mmode and pulse Doppler echo. Ejection fraction (EF) and diastolic parameters including E and A waves, E/A ratio, DT and IVRT were measured and recorded. Findings: The prevalence of diastolic dysfunction was 52% and systolic dysfunction (EF<40%) was 48%. Age increase had a negative effect on diastolic function and caused decrease of E/A ratio. Increased HR caused decrease of E wave, increased of A wave and E/A ratio was inversely related to heart rate. Sex had no significant effect on diastolic function. Conclusion: Pulse Doppler echo is a very useful method for accurate and early diagnosis of diastolic dysfunction which enables early treatment and follow up.