According to the journal American Family Physician, 40 to 60 percent of patients with congestive heart failure have diastolic heart failure as opposed to systolic heart failure, which means that the heart's ability to refill with blood during relaxation, known as diastole, is impaired from thickness or stiffness. Common causes are obesity, aging, hypertension and coronary artery disease. Diastolic heart failure is a chronic condition that can be managed with lifestyle changes and pharmaceutical intervention. However, an episode of acute diastolic heart failure occurs suddenly and can be life-threatening.
Pulmonary Edema
Fluid that accumulates in the lungs suddenly from acute diastolic heart failure is known as pulmonary edema and is a medical emergency. One of the causes of acute heart failure is coronary artery disease, according to the Merck Manual. Symptoms of pulmonary edema due to acute diastolic dysfunction include sudden onset of extreme shortness of breath, restlessness, chest pain, wheezing, pallor, rapid heart rate and sweating, according to information from the Mayo Clinic.
Shock
Acute diastolic heart failure can progress to cardiogenic shock quickly, and is a medical emergency. Signs of shock associated with heart disease and heart failure include low blood pressure and decreased level of consciousness. Skin may feel cool to the touch with a bluish discoloration, especially around the lips and nail beds. Rapid transport to a hospital is important. Patients with cardiogenic shock must be monitored closely in an intensive care unit.
Hypertension
High blood pressure, known as hypertension, is a prominent cause of diastolic heart failure. When symptoms develop suddenly, blood pressure might become extremely and dangerously elevated. In hypertension, the blood vessels narrow to compensate for inability of the heart to maintain perfusion of blood throughout the body.
Arrhythmia
Heart rhythm disturbances are common with acute diastolic heart failure. The University of California, San Francisco, explains that increased workload on the heart can disrupt the electrical signals that the keep heart rate normal. The result can be life-threatening cardiac rhythm disturbances.
Pink Frothy Sputum
A symptom of acute heart failure is a cough that produces bloody or sometimes pink-tinged sputum that may appear frothy. Inability of the heart to pump blood through the circulatory system causes a backup of fluid. Blood can also back up in the veins. Coughing is the body's natural defense to clear the airways. A gurgling or raspy sound might be audible with breathing. The Mayo Clinic lists pink frothy sputum as a symptom that warrants emergency assistance by calling 911.
