Pathophysiology
Clinical meaning
Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF, EF ≥50%) involves impaired ventricular relaxation and increased myocardial stiffness. The stiff ventricle cannot fill adequately during diastole, leading to elevated filling pressures, pulmonary congestion, and exercise intolerance despite normal systolic function. Connect HFpEF to bedside cues you will reassess first: vitals trends, work of breathing, perfusion, mentation, and pain or ischemic equivalents when relevant. Boards reward recognizing when subtle instability outweighs reassurance, then selecting nursing actions that protect airway, circulation, and neurologic status before routine tasks.