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Is It Possible To Reverse Diastolic Dysfunction?

Posted on Thu, 13 Apr 2017

Question: I need to know how to reverse diastolic dysfunction..I had an echo last week and they found grade 2 dysfunction...I would have occasional high blood pressure but it would never last a long time..most of the time when I would take my own blood pressure at home it was fine but when I would go to the doctors office it would shoot up..they wanted me to take blood pressure meds but I would always tell them my bp was fine at home..when I would take blood pressure meds my bp would get pretty low especially at night..I just did not have any get up and go..I have had anxiety and when my anxiety would act up my blood pressure would go up..does stress ever cause this test to be elevated? My heart was beating pretty fast during the test around 99 due to my anxiety..would that cause the results to be elevated..I am now taking a real low dose of atenol ..my blood pressure and pulse is pretty low...104/70 pulse 65.. My pulse always ran high before...85-100.. Can I reverse this diagnosis..make it go back to normal..I exercise everyday of the elliptical and bike...I am on my feet most of the day..how could I have such a diagnosis? Will this lead to heart failure? My ef was at 58%...I did have a few leaky valves??I have lived with mitral valve prolapse for 30 years...please elp me reverse this condition
..

I have tried to upload my echo please try to read thanks!

Answered by Dr. Rishu Saxena (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Strict blood pressure control will revert it.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for choosing HealthcareMagic for your query.
Have seen your reports.
Your ejection fraction is perfectly normal.
Mild leaking of the valves is a natural phenomenon.
Mitral valve prolapse is usaully a well tolerated lesion as in your case also.
So overall your heart is perfectly fine.
Now lets come to your query about diastolic dysfunction.
There are two parts to the pumping action of the heart. The first part is called diastole, when blood collects in the lower heart chambers (right and left ventricles) as it is pushed through the tricuspid and mitral valves.

Once the ventricles are filled with blood, the second part of the pumping action begins. The ventricles contract and blood is pushed from the right ventricle into the pulmonary artery and from the left ventricle into the aortic valves. This part is called systole.
Diastolic dysfunction refers to when the diastole part of this action is abnormal. The ventricles do not properly relax and become stiff meaning they cannot fill with blood properly. This causes blood to “dam up” in other parts of the body.

Grade II – This diastolic dysfunction is characterized by increased filling pressure in the atrium and is considered to be moderate stage disease.

Treatment is strict control of hypertension.Target should be to keep blood pressure less then 120/70mm of hg.
Its reversible and strict control of blood pressure is required to revert this.
Frankly speaking this is just a mild finding as all other things are ok.Don't worry you are fine.
Thanks!

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Rishu Saxena (1 hour later)

I have never had much problems with high blood pressure until after menopause when my anxiety really spiked..I would take meds but it would lower my pressure too much so I would stop..is this what caused my narrowing of blood vessels in my eyes..also my Crp to be soo elevated 4.8.. Do I continue with exercise..I started the meds and my blood pressure has remained low but I have had more skipped beats is that a part of this too..sometimes my feet will cramp and legs will feel funny is this because of the pooling..will that go away..I also have had spidery veins on my legs.. I really appreciate you..is this going to shorten my life span thanks

Answered by Dr. Rishu Saxena (8 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Follow up answer.

Detailed Answer:
Hello again.As per your query skipped beat can be abnormal heart beats(Arrythmia). Holter test should be done to rule out the cause of skipped beats.If beats are not recorded in holter a 7 days lop recorder should be attached to find the nature of beats.
Arrythmia can also be precipitated by high levels of anxiety.
Frankly speaking grade 2 diastolic dysfunction is not that significant.Consult a psychiatrist to lower your elevated anxiety levels.
A short term therapy with benzodiazepenes can be taken.

Narrowing of blood presure is caused by grossly derange blood pressure for years,Go through the test i advised and follow up with reports.

Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad