Heart failure, with preserved ejection fraction

Heart failure is a complex clinical syndrome resulting from the impaired ability of the heart to cope with the metabolic needs of the body, resulting in breathlessness, fatigue, and fluid retention. Approximately half of patients with heart failure have normal, or near-normal, left ventricular ejection fraction and are classified as having heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. Gerald Carr-White, Consultant Cardiologist, Guys and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, UK, gives us an overview of the condition. For more on heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, see BMJ Best Practice: https://bestpractice.bmj.com/topics/en-gb/953 - The purpose of this podcast is to educate and to inform. The content of this podcast does not constitute medical advice and it is not intended to function as a substitute for a healthcare practitioner’s judgement, patient care or treatment. The views expressed by contributors are those of the speakers. BMJ does not endorse any views or recommendations discussed or expressed on this podcast. Listeners should also be aware that professionals in the field may have different opinions. By listening to this podcast, listeners agree not to use its content as the basis for their own medical treatment or for the medical treatment of others.