Acute heart failure with preserved systolic function.

Many patients with acute heart failure have marked hypertension and preserved left ventricular ejection fraction. In these patients, the heart failure usually does not result from transient systolic dysfunction or valvular abnormalities but rather results from diastolic dysfunction. Treatment of this condition includes control of hypertension, cautious diuresis, and, if necessary, ventilatory support. Further workup after the acute phase should be directed by the overall clinical picture. Other potential contributing factors, such as renal artery stenosis, valvular heart disease, and ischemia, should be strongly considered. Unfortunately, chronic therapy for diastolic heart failure has not yet been standardized due to the paucity of clinical trial data. Strict control of hypertension appears to be of paramount importance. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors or receptor blockers may be of benefit in preventing repeat hospitalizations.