“Pure” Diastolic Dysfunction is Associated with Long-Axis Systolic Dysfunction. Implications for the Diagnosis and Classification of Heart Failure

Abstract

Worsening global diastolic dysfunction of the left ventricle is associated with a progressive decline in longitudinal systolic function. Diastolic heart failure as conventionally diagnosed is associated with regional, subendocardial systolic dysfunction that can be revealed by tissue Doppler of long-axis shortening. Diagnostic algorithms and definitions of heart failure need to be revised.