Characterization of Left Ventricular Filling Abnormalities and Its Relation to Elevated Plasma Brain Natriuretic Peptide Level in Acute to Chronic Diastolic Heart Failure

Abstract

A restrictive mitral flow velocity pattern is observed in only 25% of patients with DHF, so it is particularly important to recognize pseudonormalization in those with possible DHF. Persistently elevated plasma BNP level is not primarily caused by LV diastolic dysfunction, but by secondary alteration for hemodynamic adjustment (elevated LV end-diastolic pressure) in patients with DHF.