Diastolic heart failure: perception of the syndrome and scope of the problem.

Diastolic Heart Failure: perception of the syndrome and scope of the problem. As a result of the recent publications of the CHARM-Preserved trial, the upcoming I-PRESERVE and other still ongoing clinical trials in patients with Heart Failure and Normal (or Preserved) Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction, numerous questions have arisen as for the conceptual rationale and pathophysiological basis of such trials. The present symposium is a synopsis of the most important remaining controversies. We gratefully acknowledge all authors for their contribution as summarized in this Introduction Paper.