Pathophysiology -- Molecular Mechanisms of Diastolic Dysfunction -- Pathophysiologic Aspects of Myocardial Relaxation and End-Diastolic Stiffness of Cardiac Ventricles -- Ventricular Interaction via the Septum and Pericardium -- Role of the Left Atrium -- Role of Neurohormones and Peripheral Vasculature -- Filling Velocities as Markers of Diastolic Function -- Myocardial Velocities as Markers of Diastolic Function -- Diastolic Versus Systolic Heart Failure -- Diagnosis of Diastolic Heart Failure -- Invasive Evaluation of Diastolic Left Ventricular Dysfunction -- Echocardiographic Assessment of Diastolic Function and Diagnosis of Diastolic Heart Failure -- Magnetic Resonance Imaging -- Natriuretic Peptides in the Diagnosis of Diastolic Heart Failure -- Noninvasive Estimation of Left Ventricular Filling Pressures -- Epidemiology, Prognosis, and Treatment -- Epidemiology of Diastolic Heart Failure -- Prognosis in Diastolic Heart Failure -- Treatment of Diastolic Heart Failure -- Specific Disease-Related Problems in Diastolic Heart Failure -- Coronary Artery Disease and Diastolic Left Ventricular Dysfunction -- Hypertension and Diastolic Function -- Diastolic Disturbances in Diabetes Mellitus -- Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy -- Constrictive Pericarditis and Restrictive Cardiomyopathy -- Summary.

The prevalence of heart failure is increasing and yet a significant proportion of these patients have normal left ventricular (LV) systolic function. In these patients with diastolic dysfunction, heart failure is frequently referred to as diastolic heart failure. While the majority of research into heart failure has concentrated on those patients with LV systolic dysfunction, heart failure patients with preserved systolic function have been grossly underinvestigated. It is critical not only to continue to research and treat those patients with LV systolic dysfunction but also to investigate the possibilities in those patients with diastolic dysfunction with a view to providing tailored management of heart failure for all patients. This book is the first to give a comprehensive overview not only of the diastolic heart failure, but also of different aspects of LV diastolic function in general. It addresses the epidemiology, pathophysiologic mechanisms, diagnostic methods, treatment and prognosis. It also gives an analysis of specific problems, related to coronary artery disease, arterial hypertension, diabetes, hypertrophic and restrictive cardiomyopathies, and constrictive pericarditis. The aim of the Editors and their world-class panel of contributing authors has been not only to summarize the existing knowledge on the role of diastolic dysfunction in heart failure but also to identify the gaps in the understanding of the problem and stimulate discussion in these areas. Consequently, this book will prove useful for both basic scientists and clinicians involved in research and clinical care of patients with heart failure. As such, cardiologists, internists and all disciplines involved in the management of this group of patients will benefit from reading this book.