Establishment of diastolic heart failure model in New Zealand white rabbits by mixed high-fat diet

AIM:To establish the diastolic heart failure model in New Zealand white rabbits using a noninvasive method. METHODS: The model group established by New Zealand white rabbits fed a mixed high-fat diet for 12 weeks compared with the normal group established by New Zealand white rabbits fed a normal diet for the same time. RESULTS: Model group showed signs and symptoms of heart failure. In the model group compared with control group, no differences were shown in heart rate, left ventricular systolic maximum rate of pressure increase (LV+dp/dtmax), left ventricular systolic index (S-1) but in LVSP, contraction index, left ventricular systolic pressure rise rate, left ventricular end diastolic pressure, decreased maximum rate of left ventricular pressure (LV-dp/dtmax) were significantly different (P<0.05), in accordance with diastolic heart failure animal model. CONCLUSION: New Zealand white rabbits fed a mixed high-fat diet can create an animal model of diastolic heart failure.