Know Your Risk Before It Strikes
Your arteries could be hiding early disease. Find out today.
Heart failure is a common health problem in the United States. Many adults live with it without knowing which type they have or what it means for their long term health. When the heart struggles to pump or fill with blood in a normal pattern, the body cannot get the oxygen it needs. This can lead to tiredness, shortness of breath, swelling, and a higher risk of serious events like heart attacks and strokes.
There are two main types of left sided heart failure: systolic and diastolic. While the symptoms often feel the same to the person living with these conditions, the two types act very differently inside the heart.
This guide explains the two types in a clear and simple way. It also describes how the BaleDoneen Method detects the root causes of artery disease that lead to heart failure, heart attacks, and strokes, and how patients can lower their risk with the right care.
What Is Heart Failure?
Heart failure does not mean the heart has stopped. It means the heart cannot meet the body’s needs.
The heart has four chambers. The left ventricle is the main pump. It pushes oxygen rich blood to all parts of the body. When this chamber becomes weak or stiff, heart failure can occur.
Two key problems can develop:
- The heart cannot squeeze well enough.
- The heart cannot relax well enough.
These problems lead to two types of left sided heart failure: systolic and diastolic.
What Is Systolic Heart Failure (HFrEF)?
Systolic heart failure happens when the left ventricle cannot contract with normal strength. This means less blood leaves the heart with each beat.
Doctors call this heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF).
What is ejection fraction?
Ejection fraction, or EF, is the percent of blood the ventricle pushes out each time it pumps.
A normal EF is 55 to 60%.
In systolic failure, EF is 40% or below.
Symptoms of systolic heart failure
Symptoms often start slowly and may include:
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue after simple tasks
- Trouble breathing when lying flat
- Swelling in the feet, ankles, or abdomen
- A cough that may be clear or frothy
- Confusion or trouble concentrating
- Less urine output
- Sudden weight gain
Causes
Common reasons the heart becomes weak include:
- Coronary artery disease
- A past heart attack
- Cardiomyopathy
- Long term high blood pressure
- Heart valve problems
- Some infections
- Alcohol or certain drugs
How doctors diagnose it
To check how well the heart pumps, a doctor may order:
- Echocardiogram (most common)
- Blood tests, such as BNP
- ECG
- CT scan or MRI if needed
Treatment for systolic heart failure
Treatment focuses on helping the heart pump more effectively and reducing the chance of future damage.
Common treatments include:
- ACE inhibitors
- ARBs
- ARNI
- Beta‑blockers
- MRAs
- SGLT2 inhibitors
- Diuretics for fluid buildup
- Device therapy, such as ICD or CRT
- Lifestyle care, including a low salt diet, an exercise plan, better sleep habits, and stress reduction
People with advanced symptoms may need surgery, such as valve repair or bypass surgery.
What Is Diastolic Heart Failure (HFpEF)?
Diastolic heart failure occurs when the left ventricle becomes stiff. It cannot relax between beats. Because of this, the ventricle cannot fill with enough blood.
Doctors call this heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) because EF is still normal at 50% or higher.
Why can EF be normal in diastolic heart failure?
Even though the heart pumps out a normal percent of blood, the total amount of blood is lower because the stiff ventricle does not fill completely.
Symptoms
Symptoms are almost the same as systolic heart failure:
- Shortness of breath
- Trouble breathing when lying flat
- Swelling
- Weakness
- Sudden weight gain
- Feeling full quickly when eating
Common causes
Diastolic failure is strongly linked to:
- Long‑term high blood pressure
- Aging
- Obesity
- Diabetes
- Sleep apnea
- Atrial fibrillation
- Kidney disease
- Medications
This type is more common in older adults and women.
Diagnosis
Tools used include:
- Echocardiogram
- EKG to look for thickened heart muscle
- MRI for detailed imaging
- Blood tests
- Stress testing if needed
Treatment
There is no single medication that reverses diastolic failure. Treatment focuses on the causes and symptoms.
Common steps include:
- Diuretics for swelling
- Blood pressure control
- Fixing abnormal heart rhythms
- SGLT2 inhibitors
- Weight reduction
- Treatment for sleep apnea
Lifestyle care is very important in this type.
Comparison: Systolic vs Diastolic Heart Failure
| Feature | Systolic (HFrEF) | Diastolic (HFpEF) |
| Main Problem | Weak contraction | Poor relaxation |
| EF | ≤ 40% | ≥ 50% |
| Heart Size | Often enlarged | Usually normal size or thicker walls |
| Main Cause | Damage to heart muscle | Long‑term pressure overload or stiffness |
| Age Group | All ages | More common in older adults |
| Sex | More common in men | More common in women |
| Treatment Focus | Improve pumping strength | Improve filling and manage causes |
Both types can lead to right‑sided heart failure if pressure builds in the lungs.
Shared Symptoms of Both Types
Even though the heart behaves differently in each type, symptoms can feel the same:
- Shortness of breath
- Swelling
- Fatigue
- Weight gain from fluid
- Chest pressure
- Fast heart rate
When to seek medical help
Get urgent care if you notice:
- Sudden shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Blue lips or hands
- Confusion
- Rapid swelling
These can signal a medical emergency.
How Doctors Tell the Difference
A full exam includes:
- Medical history
- Review of symptoms
- Listening to the lungs
- Heart imaging tests
- Blood tests
- EF measurement
The echocardiogram is the key tool. It shows:
- EF
- Heart size
- Wall thickness
- Valve problems
- Pressure inside the heart
Doctors can then classify the type of heart failure.
Which Type Is More Serious?
Both types are serious. Both increase the chance of:
- Hospital stays
- Stroke
- Heart attack
- Kidney damage
- Early death
Systolic heart failure often has more treatment options.
Diastolic heart failure can be harder to manage because stiffness is difficult to reverse.
But early care can improve quality of life in both.
How the BaleDoneen Method Helps Prevent Heart Attack, Stroke, and Heart Failure
The BaleDoneen Method focuses on the root causes of artery disease, which is the main cause of heart attacks, strokes, and many cases of heart failure.
Why this matters for systolic and diastolic heart failure
Many patients develop heart failure due to:
- Blocked arteries
- Long‑term high blood pressure
- Inflammation
- Insulin resistance
- Hidden plaque in the arteries
The BaleDoneen Method uses advanced tests to reveal these problems years before standard care would detect them.
Key steps used in the method
- Advanced lab tests to find hidden inflammation
- Imaging of artery walls to check for plaque
- Genetic testing to find inherited risks
- Personalized treatment plans
- Full review of lifestyle factors
- Metabolic and blood pressure care
- Sleep and stress evaluation
This approach helps slow and sometimes halt artery disease. When arteries stay healthy, the risk of a heart attack or stroke drops. This also protects the heart from the strain that leads to both systolic and diastolic failure.
How patients benefit
Many patients report:
- Better blood pressure
- Better glucose control
- Lower inflammation
- Lower plaque growth
- Improved energy
- Lower risk of life‑threatening events
The goal is simple: keep arteries healthy so the heart stays healthy.
FAQs
What is EF and why does it matter?
EF shows how well the heart pumps blood. It guides diagnosis and treatment.
Is congestive heart failure the same as systolic or diastolic?
Congestive means there is fluid buildup. Either systolic or diastolic heart failure can become congestive.
Can someone have both types at once?
Yes. Many patients have some degree of both poor pumping and poor filling.
Is heart failure permanent?
With the right care, symptoms can improve. Many people live long and active lives.
Can the BaleDoneen Method help reduce heart failure risk?
Yes. By finding and treating the root causes of artery disease, the method lowers the strain on the heart and reduces the risk of future events.
Can my ejection fraction be normal even if I have heart failure?
Yes. People with diastolic heart failure often have a normal EF. The heart appears to pump a normal percent of blood, but it does not fill well because the muscle is stiff.
Can systolic or diastolic heart failure cause right‑sided heart failure?
Yes. Either type can raise pressure in the lungs. Over time, this can strain the right side of the heart and cause right‑sided heart failure.
What tests help find the cause of heart failure?
Doctors may use:
- ECG
- Echocardiogram
- CT scan
- MRI
- Blood tests for BNP
- Blood tests for thyroid issues
- Blood tests for anemia
- Electrolyte panel
- Cardiac catheterization
These tests help show the heart’s structure, blood flow, and pressure.
Can high blood pressure lead to heart failure?
Yes. Long‑term high blood pressure is one of the main causes of both systolic and diastolic heart failure. It forces the heart to work harder and can weaken or stiffen the heart muscle.
Who is more likely to have diastolic heart failure?
Diastolic heart failure is more common in:
- Older adults
- Women
- People with high blood pressure
- People with diabetes
- People with sleep apnea
Can sleep apnea make heart failure worse?
Yes. Untreated sleep apnea raises blood pressure and puts stress on the heart. Treating sleep apnea can improve heart function and reduce symptoms.
Why do I gain weight fast when my heart failure gets worse?
This happens due to fluid buildup. The kidneys hold onto more water and salt when the heart does not pump well. The extra fluid causes swelling and rapid weight gain.
Do I need a special diet if I have heart failure?
Most people need to:
- Reduce salt
- Watch fluid intake
- Follow a heart‑healthy eating plan
- Limit alcohol
A dietitian can help plan meals that support heart health.
Can devices help treat heart failure?
Yes. Some people may need:
- ICD
- CRT pacemaker
- LVAD
These devices help the heart beat in a steady and safe way.
Can heart failure be caused by blocked arteries?
Yes. Coronary artery disease is one of the main causes of systolic heart failure and can also worsen diastolic heart failure. This is why early artery testing is important.
Can both types of heart failure improve with treatment?
Yes. With the right care, many people see better breathing, more energy, and fewer hospital visits. The key is early diagnosis and close follow‑up.
Living With Heart Failure
Daily steps can improve health and slow the condition:
- Reduce salt intake
- Keep a healthy weight
- Stay active
- Sleep well
- Follow medication plans
- Treat sleep apnea
- Reduce stress
- Limit alcohol
- Stop smoking
Regular follow up with your care team is key.
Final Thoughts
Systolic and diastolic heart failure both affect the left side of the heart, but they act in different ways. One affects pumping. The other affects filling. Both share similar symptoms and need early and careful care.
By using the BaleDoneen Method, patients can uncover silent risks that often go unnoticed in standard care. This approach gives people a clearer view of their artery health, helps protect the heart, and reduces the chance of serious events like heart attacks, strokes, and worsening heart failure.
If you want to take steps to protect your heart and lower your long term risk, the BaleDoneen Method offers a strong path forward.
About the Author: Randy Kembel
