Which of the following is a feature of diastolic heart failure?

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Diastolic heart failure, also known as heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), is characterized by the heart's inability to properly fill with blood during the diastolic phase, rather than a failure to pump effectively, which is seen in systolic heart failure. One of the significant features associated with diastolic heart failure is pulmonary congestion, which is caused by fluid backing up into the lungs due to increased pressure in the heart. This congestion is often accompanied by cardiomegaly, which refers to an enlargement of the heart.

In diastolic heart failure, the left ventricle typically maintains a normal ejection fraction, meaning the percentage of blood pumped out with each heartbeat is within the normal range. This distinguishes it from systolic heart failure, where a decreased ejection fraction is observed. Additionally, the left atrium may actually enlarge due to the increased pressure it faces from the left ventricle's inability to fill properly. The right ventricle size may also change, but it is not a primary characteristic of diastolic heart failure in the same context as left atrial enlargement and pulmonary congestion.

Thus, recognizing pulmonary congestion and cardiomegaly as key features of diastolic heart failure

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