Advanced Heart Failure in a Special Population

Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is a complex clinical syndrome that has become a global health issue, with mortality ranging from 53% to 74% at 5 years. It is defined as the presence of signs and symptoms of heart failure associated with left ventricular ejection fraction greater than or equal to 50%. The definition and diagnosis of HFpEF in patients with unexplained dyspnea remain a clinical challenge in the absence of a unique diagnostic algorithm universally recognized. Clinical trials conducted so far did not show a significant improvement of prognosis, but forthcoming therapies could provide innovative solutions.