Diastolic heart failure (DHF) is a condition where the heart has difficulty filling with blood properly. How long someone can live with this diagnosis is highly individualized, depending on numerous factors.
Understanding Diastolic Heart Failure
Diastolic heart failure, also known as Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction (HFpEF), occurs when the heart’s left ventricle becomes stiff and less able to relax. This stiffness prevents the ventricle from filling properly with blood, even though it can still pump blood out efficiently. As a result, blood can back up, leading to fluid accumulation in the lungs and other parts of the body.
This condition differs from systolic heart failure (Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction – HFrEF), where the left ventricle’s pumping ability is weakened. In DHF, the problem lies in the heart’s ability to relax and receive blood, rather than its ability to eject it. Common underlying issues contributing to DHF include high blood pressure, obesity, and diabetes, which can cause the heart muscle to thicken and stiffen over time.
Key Factors Affecting Longevity
Several factors influence how long an individual can live with diastolic heart failure. The severity and number of co-existing medical conditions, or comorbidities, play a role. Conditions such as uncontrolled hypertension, diabetes, kidney disease, and atrial fibrillation can worsen the heart’s function and overall outlook.
The advanced stage of the heart’s stiffness or dysfunction at diagnosis also affects longevity. People hospitalized for DHF at diagnosis often have more severe symptoms, which can impact their prognosis. Age at diagnosis is another important factor; some research suggests that over 75% of individuals diagnosed with DHF live at least one more year, and over 12% live 15 years or longer.
Adherence to prescribed treatments and medical advice is important for managing the condition and potentially extending life. Lifestyle choices, including diet, regular physical activity, weight management, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, also have an impact. Early diagnosis and timely intervention can lead to more proactive management, which may improve long-term outcomes.
Management and Lifestyle for Extended Life
Managing diastolic heart failure involves a combination of medical treatments and lifestyle modifications aimed at improving symptoms and overall heart function. Medical management includes medications that help control fluid buildup and blood pressure. Diuretics are often prescribed to alleviate swelling and reduce fluid overload, while various blood pressure medications, such as ACE inhibitors, ARBs, and beta-blockers, help manage hypertension and allow the heart more time to fill.
SGLT2 inhibitors, originally used for diabetes, have shown promise in improving heart function for DHF patients. Beyond medication, lifestyle changes are important. Adopting a heart-healthy diet, particularly one low in sodium, helps reduce fluid retention and ease the heart’s workload. Limiting sodium intake to less than 2,300 milligrams per day is often recommended.
Regular physical activity, tailored to individual capabilities, can improve functional capacity and reduce symptoms. Maintaining a healthy weight is also important, as excess weight places additional stress on the heart. Quitting smoking and limiting alcohol intake are further steps that can protect cardiovascular health. Patients also benefit from careful fluid management and learning to recognize changes in their symptoms, seeking medical attention when necessary.
Living with Diastolic Heart Failure
Living with diastolic heart failure requires ongoing medical care and self-management. Regular medical follow-ups with cardiologists and primary care physicians are important to monitor the condition’s progression and adjust treatments as needed. These appointments help ensure that any changes in heart function or symptoms are addressed promptly.
Patient education and active participation in one’s own care are also important. Understanding the condition, its symptoms, and the rationale behind treatments empowers individuals to make informed decisions and adhere to their management plan. While there is no cure for DHF, symptoms can be effectively managed through proper treatment.
Emotional and social support from family, friends, or support groups can assist in coping with the challenges of living with a chronic condition. Balancing longevity with maintaining a good quality of life is an important consideration, as DHF can affect daily activities and overall well-being. DHF is a chronic condition that requires continuous management, and the long-term outlook is shaped by sustained efforts in treatment adherence and lifestyle adjustments.