What other condition also causes impaired ventricular filling?

Impaired ventricular filling occurs when the heart is unable to effectively accept blood during diastole. Constrictive pericarditis is characterized by a thickened, fibrotic pericardium that restricts the heart's capacity to expand properly during diastole, leading to impaired filling of the ventricles. This condition can result in symptoms of heart failure and can be distinguished by its impact on hemodynamics, where elevated pressures can be observed in the atria due to the restricted filling.

The hallmark of constrictive pericarditis is that the rigid pericardial layer does not allow the heart to accommodate the normal volume of blood, leading to diastolic dysfunction. This is particularly evident during diastolic maneuvers such as the Valsalva maneuver or during inspiration, where the restriction of blood flow becomes exaggerated.

In contrast, while aortic regurgitation may lead to volume overload and subsequently impair ventricular function over time, it primarily involves the valve and the left ventricle's ability to handle retrograde blood flow rather than a direct restriction of filling due to external pressure. Coronary artery disease and ischemic heart disease, while indeed leading to impairment in heart function, primarily affect myocardial contractility and perf