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Diastolic Function

Meaning

Diastolic function is the physiological capacity of the heart muscle to relax efficiently and fill with blood during the diastolic phase of the cardiac cycle, which is essential for maintaining adequate cardiac output and systemic perfusion. This crucial function is dependent on the intrinsic compliance of the myocardial tissue and the speed of ventricular relaxation. Impaired diastolic function, often a precursor to heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, indicates pathological stiffness of the ventricle, severely compromising the efficient filling of the chambers. Optimal hormonal balance, particularly the status of thyroid and sex hormones, is a key modulator of myocardial performance and overall cardiovascular integrity.