Which echocardiographic finding is most consistent with HFpEF?

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Multiple Choice

Which echocardiographic finding is most consistent with HFpEF?

HFpEF means the heart isn’t filling properly even though it pumps normally. On echocardiography, the ejection fraction stays normal, but there is diastolic dysfunction—the ventricle is stiff and doesn’t relax efficiently, leading to higher filling pressures. You’ll often see Doppler findings of abnormal diastolic filling (impaired relaxation patterns), a higher E/e′ ratio, and sometimes left atrial enlargement or LV hypertrophy from long-standing hypertension. This combination—preserved EF with clear diastolic dysfunction—fits HFpEF best. Reduced EF points to systolic failure; valvular stenosis or severe MR can cause heart failure too, but they’re not the defining feature of HFpEF and don’t emphasize the diastolic dysfunction aspect.

HFpEF means the heart isn’t filling properly even though it pumps normally. On echocardiography, the ejection fraction stays normal, but there is diastolic dysfunction—the ventricle is stiff and doesn’t relax efficiently, leading to higher filling pressures. You’ll often see Doppler findings of abnormal diastolic filling (impaired relaxation patterns), a higher E/e′ ratio, and sometimes left atrial enlargement or LV hypertrophy from long-standing hypertension. This combination—preserved EF with clear diastolic dysfunction—fits HFpEF best. Reduced EF points to systolic failure; valvular stenosis or severe MR can cause heart failure too, but they’re not the defining feature of HFpEF and don’t emphasize the diastolic dysfunction aspect.

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