DefinitionCor 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. Show Alternative NamesRight-sided heart failure; Pulmonary heart disease High blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs is called pulmonary hypertension. It is the most common cause of cor pulmonale. In people who have pulmonary hypertension, changes in the small blood vessels inside the lungs can lead to increased blood pressure in the right side of the heart. This makes it harder for the heart to pump blood to the lungs. If this high pressure continues, it puts a strain on the right side of the heart. That strain can cause 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:
SymptomsShortness 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:
Exams and TestsYour health care provider will perform a physical exam and ask about your symptoms. The exam may find:
These tests may help diagnose cor pulmonale as well as its cause:
TreatmentThe goal of treatment is to control symptoms. It is important to treat medical problems that cause pulmonary hypertension, because they can lead to cor pulmonale. Many treatment options are available. In general, the cause of your cor pulmonale will determine which treatment you receive. If your provider prescribes medicines, you may take them by mouth (oral), receive them through a vein (intravenous or IV), or breathe them in (inhaled). You will be closely monitored during treatment to watch for side effects and to see how well the medicine works for you. Never stop taking your medicines without first talking to your provider. Other treatments may include:
Important tips to follow:
Outlook (Prognosis)How well you do depends on the cause of your cor pulmonale. As your illness gets worse, you will need to make changes to your home so that you can manage as well as possible. You will also need help around your house. Possible ComplicationsCor pulmonale may lead to:
When to Contact a Medical ProfessionalContact your provider if you have shortness of breath or chest pain. PreventionDo not smoke. Smoking causes lung disease, which can lead to cor pulmonale. ReferencesLammi MR, Mathai SC. Pulmonary hypertension: general approach. In: Broaddus VC, Ernst JD, King TE, et al, eds. Murray and Nadel's Textbook of Respiratory Medicine. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 83. Maron B. Pulmonary hypertension. In: Libby P, Bonow RO, Mann DL, Tomaselli GF, Braunwald E, eds. Braunwald's Heart Disease: A Textbook of Cardiovascular Medicine. 12th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 88. Version Info
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is the first of its kind, requiring compliance with 53 standards of quality and accountability, verified by independent audit. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial process. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics (www.hiethics.com) and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch). The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2002 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. Why is leftHow does it cause right-sided heart failure? The left ventricle does not pump blood efficiently. This leads to pressure buildup behind the left side of the heart that, over time, causes the right side of the heart to fail.
What is the main cause of rightHigh blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs is called pulmonary hypertension. It is the most common cause of cor pulmonale. In people who have pulmonary hypertension, changes in the small blood vessels inside the lungs can lead to increased blood pressure in the right side of the heart.
Which sided heart failure causes the other?When people have left-sided heart failure, their heart's left side has to work harder to pump the same amount of blood. Left-sided heart failure is the most common cause of right-sided heart failure.
What's the difference between left and rightIn left-sided heart failure, the left side of the heart is weakened and results in reduced ability for the heart to pump blood into the body. In right-sided heart failure, the right side of the heart is weakened and results in fluid in your veins, causing swelling in the legs, ankles, and liver.
|