[Hemodynamics in heart failure: systolic and diastolic dysfunction].

Cardiac insufficiency is hemodynamically characterised by reduced cardiac output and increased diastolic filling pressure at rest and/or during physical activity. The increase in diastolic filling pressure compensates cardiac output and is either a result of increased initial tension of muscle fibers (Frank-Starling's Law) or a sign of decreased myocardial compliance. Increased initial tension of muscle fibers is a sign of systolic insufficiency, whereas reduced ventricular compliance indicates a disorder of diastolic ventricular function. In systolic insufficiency (= systolic dysfunction) a decrease in the ventricular ejection fraction is important, as is an increase in filling pressure. In diastolic congestive heart failure (= diastolic dysfunction) a reduced ventricular compliance with normal stroke function is typical.