What is a key difference between systolic heart failure and diastolic heart failure?

A key difference between systolic heart failure and diastolic heart failure lies in the measurement and function of the heart's ejection fraction. In systolic heart failure, there is a reduced ejection fraction, indicating that the heart's ability to pump blood effectively is compromised. This reduced contractility leads to diminished cardiac output.

In contrast, diastolic heart failure, also referred to as heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), occurs when the ejection fraction remains normal or near normal. However, in diastolic heart failure, the primary issue is related to the heart's inability to fill adequately during the diastolic phase, often due to stiffening or hypertrophy of the heart muscle, which impairs relaxation.

Understanding this distinction is essential for clinicians as it influences management and treatment approaches for the patient. Thus, stating that systolic heart failure has preserved ejection fraction is incorrect, as this characteristic is instead represented in diastolic heart failure. The ejection fraction is a crucial parameter that differentiates these two types of heart failure.