Prevalence of diastolic dysfunction as a possible cause of dyspnea in the elderly

The frequency of diastolic dysfunction was low in the sample of elderly subjects with dyspnea as well as in the subgroup of persons with no signs of lung disease, left ventricular systolic dysfunction, atrial fibrillation, or valvular heart disease. Diastolic dysfunction was infrequent as a possible cause of dyspnea, and coexisting potential causes of dyspnea were often present.