Which classification of heart failure affects the heart's ability to contract?

Systolic heart failure is characterized by the heart's impaired ability to contract effectively. This means that during the systolic phase of the cardiac cycle, when the heart muscle should be contracting to pump blood out of the ventricles, it fails to generate enough force. This leads to a reduced ejection fraction, which is a key indicator of systolic dysfunction.

In contrast, diastolic heart failure primarily involves the heart's inability to relax and fill properly during the diastolic phase. Congestive heart failure is a broader term that includes both systolic and diastolic heart failure but is not specific to the contraction aspect. Therefore, the distinction is crucial here. Systolic heart failure specifically refers to the issue with contraction, while diastolic heart failure pertains to filling issues, and congestive heart failure encompasses the overall syndrome that may involve both types. Thus, the identification of systolic heart failure as the classification that directly affects the ability to contract is accurate.