Mayo Clinic cardiologist Barry A. Borlaug, M.D., discusses the evaluation and treatment of patients with dyspnea of unknown etiology, many of whom are found to display heart failure with a preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF).

The cause of dyspnea can be ascertained through comprehensive evaluation, including echocardiography and invasive cardiopulmonary exercise testing. Dr. Borlaug notes that specific phenotypes can be identified that may respond to treatments or make patients appropriate for clinical trials participation. Evaluation of hemodynamic status guides optimal medical therapy and provides diagnostic certainty as to the cause of breathlessness.

If you are a medical professional and would like to connect with a Mayo Clinic physician, click here.

To visit an online community for patients, families and friends of those with heart disease, click here.