Which condition is characterized by the inability to relax and fill the heart?

The condition characterized by the inability to relax and fill the heart is diastolic heart failure. In this condition, the heart muscle becomes stiff or less compliant, which impairs the heart's ability to fill with blood during the diastolic phase (the phase when the heart relaxes and fills with blood). As a result, patients may experience symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue, and fluid retention due to the inadequate filling of the ventricles, leading to elevated pressures in the heart and lungs.

Diastolic heart failure often occurs in the context of conditions that contribute to stiffening of the heart, such as hypertension, ischemic heart disease, or age-related changes. Recognizing the features of this condition is crucial for appropriate management and treatment strategies.

In contrast, conditions like aortic stenosis and aortic regurgitation primarily affect the outflow of blood from the heart and can lead to systolic dysfunction, but they are not characterized solely by the inability of the heart to fill during diastole. Systolic heart failure typically involves the heart's impaired ability to contract and pump blood effectively, which differs from the filling issue seen in diastolic heart failure.