Hypertension is associated with the remodeling of left ventricular geometry and abnormalities of function that may precede geometric changes. Rather than a specific disease, ''hypertensive heart failure'' is a spectrum of disorders that result from left ventricular geometric changes and comorbid conditions. Heart failure may present as abnormalities of diastolic or systolic function, although symptoms (dyspnea, fatigue) and physical findings (edema, rales) may be similar.