Which side of the heart is primarily affected by HFpEF?

Heart Failure with preserved Ejection Fraction (HFpEF) predominantly affects the left side of the heart rather than the right side. This condition occurs when the heart's left ventricle, responsible for pumping oxygenated blood to the rest of the body, cannot relax properly, leading to increased pressure and fluid buildup in the lungs and causing pulmonary congestion.

HFpEF is often associated with conditions such as hypertension and diabetes, which frequently lead to left ventricular hypertrophy and stiffness. The clinical signs and symptoms often stem from the left ventricle's inability to appropriately fill during diastole, resulting in elevated pressures that can also affect the right side over time. However, the primary pathology in HFpEF is rooted in the left side of the heart.

While right-sided heart failure can occur secondary to left-sided failure, HFpEF itself primarily indicates a left-sided dysfunction. Understanding this distinction is crucial for recognizing the underlying mechanisms of heart failure and the specific interventions that might be needed for managing the condition effectively.