Critical appraisal of animal studies.

Study aim:+: study is focused on interpreting the relation between sympathetic activity (SNA) and diastolic dysfunction (DD); -: study is not focused on interpreting the relation between SNA and DD. Clearly defined hypothesis: +: hypothesis clearly defined; +/-: aim of study clearly defined, no hypothesis formulated; -: no clear aim nor hypothesis. Model to induce HFPEF: +: ISO infusion; -: transaortic constriction. Assessment of diastolic dysfunction: +: invasive measurement of LV diastolic filling pressures or echocardiographic evaluation of DD according to latest ESC guidelines; +/-: echocardiographic evaluation without use of E/E’; -: confirmation of normal LVEF only. Assessment of sympathetic activity: +: yes; +/-: no. Clear report of findings: +: results clearly described AND critical about own research; +/-: results clearly described OR critical about own research; -: results not clearly described AND not critical about own research. Value of study: To what extent is the study relevant to answering the current question.The score displayed in the right column is the sum of scores: “+” accounts for 1 point; “+/-” for 0 points; “-” for -1 point.Critical appraisal of animal studies.