What is a stiff heart?

A stiff heart, also known as diastolic heart failure or heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, is a condition where the heart muscle becomes less flexible and unable to relax properly during the filling phase (known as diastole) between heartbeats. This results in reduced blood flow to the body and can lead to symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue, and swelling in the legs and ankles. It is often associated with older age, hypertension, obesity, and diabetes. Treatment for a stiff heart may include lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise, medication, and in some cases, surgery.