The utility of cardiovascular imaging in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction: diagnosis, biological classification and risk stratification

Heart Fail Rev. 2021 May;26(3):661-678. doi: 10.1007/s10741-020-10047-9. Epub 2020 Nov 5.

Abstract

Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) does not exist as a singular clinical or pathological entity but as a syndrome encompassing a wide range of clinical and biological phenotypes. There is an urgent need to progress from the unsuccessful 'one-size-fits-all' approach to more precise disease classification, in order to develop targeted therapies, personalise risk stratification and guide future research. In this regard, this review discusses the current and emerging roles of cardiovascular imaging for the diagnosis of HFpEF, for distilling HFpEF into distinct disease entities according to underlying pathobiology and for risk stratification.

Keywords: Cardiovascular imaging; Diagnosis; Disease classification; Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction; Risk stratification.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cardiovascular System*
  • Heart Failure* / diagnostic imaging
  • Humans
  • Phenotype
  • Risk Assessment
  • Stroke Volume