Early signs of cardiac diastolic dysfunction in ovariectomized WKY and SHR female rats.

Abstract

Half of patients with heart failure (HF) have diastolic dysfunction but preserved EF (> 50%; HFpEF). There is no specific treatment. Aging populations, and particularly women, are more widely concerned. Why are women more likely than men to develop HFpEF? Despite possible limitations, small animal models could provide comprehensive approaches to identify/test novel therapeutic targets.