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Alternative names Return to top
Right-sided heart failure - cor pulmonaleDefinition Return to top
Failure of the right side of the heart caused by prolonged high blood pressure in the pulmonary artery and right ventricle of the heart.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors Return to top
Normally, the left side of the heart produces a higher level of blood pressure in order to pump blood to the body; the right side pumps blood through the lungs under much lower pressure. Any condition that leads to prolonged high blood pressure in the arteries or veins of the lungs (called pulmonary hypertension) will be poorly tolerated by the right ventricle of the heart. When this right ventricle fails or is unable to properly pump against these abnormally high pressures, this is called cor pulmonale.
Almost any chronic lung disease or condition causing prolonged low blood oxygen can lead to cor pulmonale. A few of these causes include:
Symptoms Return to top
Signs and tests Return to top
Some tests that may help diagnose cor pulmonale include:
Treatment Return to top
Treatment is directed at the underlying illness. Supplemental oxygen may be prescribed to increase the level of oxygen in the blood.
A diet low in salt is often recommended. Diuretics may be given to remove excess fluid from the body. Calcium channel blockers, intravenous prostacyclin, or the oral medication bosentan may be used to treat pulmonary hypertension.
Surgery may be used to reverse heart defects that cause cor pulmonale. Blood thinning (anticoagulant) medications may also be prescribed.
Expectations (prognosis) Return to top
The outcome depends on the underlying cause. Administering oxygen often results in improved symptoms, more stamina, and longer survival.
Treatment of primary pulmonary hypertension often leads to more stamina and longer life. In some cases, lung transplant or heart-lung transplant can result in longer survival.
Complications Return to top
Progressive pulmonary hypertension and cor pulmonale may lead to severe fluid retention, life-threatening shortness of breath, shock, and death.Calling your health care provider Return to top
Call your health care provider if you experience shortness of breath or chest pain.Prevention Return to top
Avoiding behaviors that lead to chronic lung disease (especially cigarette smoking) may prevent the eventual development of cor pulmonale. Careful evaluation of childhood heart murmurs may prevent cor pulmonale caused by certain heart defects. Update Date: 2/27/2003 Updated by: Jacqueline A. Hart, M.D., Department of Internal Medicine, Newton-Wellesley Hospital, Harvard University and Senior Medical Editor, A.D.A.M., Inc.
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Page last updated: 28 October 2004 |