I.

OVERVIEW OF THE COR PULMONALE

Cor pulmonale is a condition that causes the right side of the heart to fail. Long-term high blood pressure in the
arteries of the lung and right ventricle of the heart can lead to cor pulmonale. Lung conditions that cause a low blood
oxygen level in the blood over a long time can also lead to cor pulmonale.

Some of these are:

 Autoimmune diseases that damage the lungs, such as scleroderma

 Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
 Chronic blood clots in the lungs
 Cystic fibrosis (CF)
 Scarring of the lung tissue (interstitial lung disease)
 Severe curving of the upper part of the spine (kyphoscoliosis)
 Obstructive sleep apnea, which causes stops in breathing because of airway inflammation
 Idiopathic (no specific cause) tightening (constriction) of the blood vessels of the lungs

II. SYMPTOMS OF DISORDER

Symptoms of a goiter may include:

 Shortness of breath or lightheadedness during

activity is often the first symptom of cor
pulmonale. You may also have a fast heartbeat
and feel like your heart is pounding.
 Over time, symptoms occur with lighter activity
or even while you are at rest. 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)

III. CAUSES OF THE ALTIRATION

Causes of COR pulmonale

The lungs depend on the heart to transport blood from the body to the lungs. Pulmonary hypertension is a type of
increased pressure in your lungs’ arteries and your heart’s right ventricle. It’s a result of having to overcome the high
pressure in the lungs to force blood into them. This increased pressure causes an ineffective transportation of blood to the
lungs. Untreated pulmonary hypertension is the most common cause of COR pulmonale.

Other conditions that can cause this health complication include:

 blood clots in the lungs

 chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
 lung tissue damages
 sleep apnea
 cystic fibrosis

IV. RISK FACTOR OF THE DISORDER

 Acute cor pulmonale (most commonly caused by PE)

 Chronic cor pulmonale (most commonly caused by underlying pulmonary disorder)
o Risk factors associated with pulmonary disorders
 Tobacco use (COPD)
 Occupational exposures (ILD)
 Hypercoagulable state (chronic thromboembolic disease)
 Obesity, age (chest wall/ventilatory abnormalities)

I. TREATMENT MODALITIES

Medical therapy for chronic cor pulmonale is generally focused on treatment of the underlying pulmonary disease and
improving oxygenation and right ventricular (RV) function by increasing RV contractility and decreasing pulmonary
vasoconstriction. [22] However, the approach might be different to some degree in an acute setting, with priority given to
stabilizing the patient.
Cardiopulmonary support for patients experiencing acute cor pulmonale with resultant acute RV failure includes fluid
loading and vasoconstrictor (eg, epinephrine) administration to maintain adequate blood pressure. Of course, the primary
problem should be corrected, if possible.