Diagnosis of Heart Failure with Preserved Heart Failure in the Office Setting: How to Assemble this Puzzle?

Conclusion

During the last years, HFpEF has been increasingly recognized as a highly complex syndrome, with different phenotypes, in which the heart is definitely not the only organ affected. Identifying the limitations in assessing these patients was a big step. Current diagnostic approach, putting the pieces together, has certainly enhanced our capacity to diagnose this increasingly prevalent disease. However, not all pieces of this amazing puzzle – the HFpEF – have been identified, and we do not always get to a definite diagnosis in the office; yet, there is still a way to go. In situations where uncertainty remains high after the careful use of available tools, we must go on, with complementary tests (exercise stress and/or diastolic stress test) and referral to specialized centers, and do not stop until all the pieces are put together.

[…]