Echocardiogram from a female patient with diastolic dysfunction of the left ventricle. The patients MV E/A ratio (top left) is less than one, which is characteristic of diastolic dysfunction. Diastolic dysfunction occurs when the lower chambers of the heart, the ventricles, have stiffened and dont relax properly as they fill with blood. This slows the movement of blood through the heart and causes high blood pressure and fluid retention (oedema), especially in the lungs, abdomen and lower limbs, and can eventually lead to heart failure. Diastolic dysfunction occurs with aging, but other risk factors include smoking, diabetes and obesity. Treatment is with diet and lifestyle changes and diuretics to relieve oedema.