In diastolic dysfunction, which finding is most likely observed?

In diastolic dysfunction, which finding is most likely observed?

• A. Preserved ejection fraction
• B. Reduced ejection fraction
• C. Decreased left ventricular end-diastolic volume
• D. Hyperdynamic systolic function

Answer: (A)

In diastolic dysfunction the ventricle has trouble relaxing and filling, so systolic contraction remains largely intact. That means the ejection fraction is typically preserved, even though the patient has heart failure–like symptoms from high filling pressures and reduced chamber compliance. So the most likely finding is a preserved ejection fraction. The other options don’t fit as well because they point to problems with squeezing or volume at fill. Reduced ejection fraction reflects systolic failure, not the diastolic problem. A decreased left ventricular end-diastolic volume isn’t a defining feature of diastolic dysfunction—the ventricle can be normal or even overfilled due to high filling pressures. Hyperdynamic systolic function isn’t characteristic of diastolic dysfunction, which centers on filling impairment rather than increased contractility.

In diastolic dysfunction the ventricle has trouble relaxing and filling, so systolic contraction remains largely intact. That means the ejection fraction is typically preserved, even though the patient has heart failure–like symptoms from high filling pressures and reduced chamber compliance. So the most likely finding is a preserved ejection fraction.

The other options don’t fit as well because they point to problems with squeezing or volume at fill. Reduced ejection fraction reflects systolic failure, not the diastolic problem. A decreased left ventricular end-diastolic volume isn’t a defining feature of diastolic dysfunction—the ventricle can be normal or even overfilled due to high filling pressures. Hyperdynamic systolic function isn’t characteristic of diastolic dysfunction, which centers on filling impairment rather than increased contractility.