How is systolic dysfunction different from diastolic dysfunction?

Question

Group of answer choices

In systolic dysfunction, the ventricle has low blood volume.

In systolic dysfunction, the ventricle has difficulty ejecting blood out of the chamber.

In systolic dysfunction, the ventricle has trouble relaxing.

In diastolic dysfunction, the ventricle has difficulty ejecting blood out of the chamber.

Answer 1

The key differences between systolic and diastolic dysfunction relate to how the heart's ventricles function during the phases of the cardiac cycle:

1. Systolic Dysfunction: This occurs when the ventricles struggle to contract effectively and eject blood during systole (the contraction phase). This often leads to a reduced ejection fraction, meaning that a lower percentage of blood is pumped out with each heartbeat.

2. Diastolic Dysfunction: This occurs when the ventricles have difficulty relaxing and filling with blood during diastole (the relaxation phase). The heart muscle may become stiff, leading to impaired filling and potentially causing symptoms of heart failure.

Given these definitions, the correct choice that specifically describes systolic dysfunction is:

• In systolic dysfunction, the ventricle has difficulty ejecting blood out of the chamber.

The other options do not accurately describe the distinctions or characteristics of systolic versus diastolic dysfunction.