What is the pathophysiology of cor pulmonale?

Table of Contents

The initial pathophysiologic event in the production of cor pulmonale is an elevation of pulmonary vascular resistance. As the resistance increases, the pulmonary arterial pressure rises, and the right ventricular work increases leading to right ventricular enlargement (e.g., thickening, dilation, or both).

What are the signs and symptoms of cor pulmonale?

Symptoms you may have are:

Fainting spells during activity.
Chest discomfort, usually in the front of the chest.
Chest pain.
Swelling of the feet or ankles.
Symptoms of lung disorders, such as wheezing or coughing or phlegm production.
Bluish lips and fingers (cyanosis)

What is cor pulmonale PPT?

1. Ratheesh R.L.  develops in response to acute or chronic changes in the pulmonary vasculature  Changes that are sufficient to cause pulmonary hypertension  Once patients with chronic pulmonary or pulmonary vascular disease develop cor- pulmonale, their prognosis worsens.

What are the complications of cor pulmonale?

Complications of cor pulmonale include syncope, hypoxia, pedal edema, passive hepatic congestion, and death.

How do you manage cor pulmonale?

Treatment strategies for cor pulmonale include supplemental oxygen, assisted mechanical ventilation, digoxin, and diuretics. Pulmonary vasodilator compounds should be used with caution because they can compromise gas exchange in cor pulmonale from secondary pulmonary hypertension.

What are the risk factors of cor pulmonale?

Risk Factors

Acute cor pulmonale (most commonly caused by PE)
Chronic cor pulmonale (most commonly caused by underlying pulmonary disorder) Risk factors associated with pulmonary disorders. Tobacco use (COPD) Occupational exposures (ILD) Hypercoagulable state (chronic thromboembolic disease)

What is the difference between cor pulmonale and right-sided heart failure?

Right-sided heart failure is also known as cor pulmonale or pulmonary heart disease.

How is cor pulmonale prevented?

You can prevent cor pulmonale by taking care of your heart and lungs. Maintain a moderate weight, get regular exercise (when possible), and eat a well-balanced diet to avoid hypertension and heart disease. Preventing the onset of lung disease may help prevent this condition.

What medications are used to treat cor pulmonale?

Treatments aimed at alleviating the effects of cor pulmonale include:

Oxygen therapy.
Anticoagulants (blood thinners), which may decrease mortality in persons with pulmonary hypertension4
Beta-blockers to improve heart function5
Diuretics, such as spironolactone, or renin-angiotensin system inhibitors to reduce edema.

What are risk factors for cor pulmonale?

Risk Factors for Pulmonary Heart Disease – Cor Pulmonale Most cases of pulmonary hypertension are secondary to lung disease. Almost any chronic lung disease can cause it. 2) COPD (eg emphysema, chronic bronchitis) in the chronic setting. Primary pulmonary hypertension, as the name suggests, has no known cause.