The term "systolic dysfunction" describes a disorder in which the heart muscle fails to contract fully during each heartbeat, reducing the heart's capacity to circulate blood throughout the body. The left ventricle, which is in charge of pumping blood rich in oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body, is the organ most affected by this failure.Coronary artery disease, which can result in myocardial infarction (heart attack) and subsequent damage to the heart muscle, is one of the main reasons of systolic dysfunction. Additional reasons include valvular heart disease, cardiomyopathy, and hypertension (high blood pressure).A weaker cardiac contraction results in a reduced heart's capacity to pump blood out with each beat in systolic dysfunction. As a consequence, there is a reduction in both the stroke volume, or the volume of blood the heart pumps out with each beat, and the ejection fraction (EF), or the proportion of blood the left ventricle pumps out with each contraction. An EF in systolic dysfunction can be much lower than the normal range of 55-70%.Patients who have systolic dysfunction frequently exhibit symptoms like exhaustion, dyspnea (particularly during physical activity or when in a flat position), and swelling in the legs and ankles as a result of fluid retention. These symptoms, which include decreased exercise tolerance and fluid accumulation in the tissues, arise from the heart's inability to supply the body with oxygenated blood.A number of tests are used to diagnose systolic dysfunction, such as measuring the EF and using echocardiography to evaluate the anatomy and function of the heart. Stress tests to assess heart function under stress and cardiac MRIs or CT scans for comprehensive imaging are examples of further testing that may be necessary.The goals of treatment are to lessen consequences, stop the disease from getting worse, and improve symptoms. It frequently entails lifestyle adjustments like food adjustments, exercise regimens, and quitting smoking. Pharmaceuticals including angiotensin receptor blockers, ACE inhibitors, and beta-blockers may be recommended to treat symptoms and enhance heart function. Devices such as cardiac resynchronization treatment (CRT) devices or implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) may be advised in extreme situations.To restore or enhance heart function, surgical procedures such as coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) or valve replacement/repair may be required in some circumstances. As a last resort for treating advanced heart failure that is unresponsive to medication, heart transplantation may be necessary.A multidisciplinary team comprising cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, nurses, and rehabilitation specialists is needed to manage systolic dysfunction. The major goals of long-term care are to help patients in maintaining a high standard of living in spite of their condition, monitor symptoms, and make necessary drug adjustments.
