Heart failure from diastolic dysfunction related to hypertension: Guidelines for management

PURPOSE: To provide advanced practice nurses with a greater understanding of the pathophysiology, diagnostics, and management of diastolic dysfunction resulting from hypertension. DATA SOURCES: Electronic database searches were performed using Medline and CINAHL. Data were obtained from medical textbooks and research and review articles. CONCLUSIONS: As the number of older adults with heart failure (HF) continues to increase, so will the need for effective care and guidance. In addition to further testing of appropriate pharmacologic regimens, adherence factors such as medication costs and patients' functional abilities must be considered. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: HF resulting from diastolic dysfunction has emerged as a separate entity over the past 10-15 years. One of the most common causes of diastolic dysfunction is uncontrolled hypertension. Populations at greatest risk include elders, particularly women, and African Americans.