Midlife blood pressure predicts future diastolic dysfunction independently of blood pressure.

Objectives: High blood pressure (BP) is associated with diastolic dysfunction, but the consequence of elevated BP over the adult life course on diastolic function is unknown. We hypothesised that high BP in earlier adulthood would be associated with impaired diastolic function independent of current BP.

Methods: Participants in the Medical Research Council National Survey of Health and Development birth cohort (n=1653) underwent investigations including echocardiography at age 60-64 years.

A randomized placebo controlled double blind crossover study of pioglitazone on left ventricular diastolic function in type 2 diabetes.

Background/objectives: Thiazolidinediones (TZDs), such as pioglitazone, are widely used to treat type 2 diabetes but there is evidence that their use is associated with an increased risk of heart failure. We compared the effect of pioglitazone vs. placebo on left ventricular (LV) diastolic and systolic function in people with type 2 diabetes.