Which findings are characteristic of cor pulmonale?

Physical findings may reflect the underlying lung disease or pulmonary hypertension, right ventricular hypertrophy (RVH), and RV failure. An increase in chest diameter, labored respiratory efforts with retractions of the chest wall, distended neck veins with prominent a or v waves, and cyanosis may be seen.

How does the heart condition cor pulmonale affect the lungs?

Cor pulmonale causes the right ventricle to enlarge and pump blood less effectively than it should. The ventricle is then pushed to its limit and ultimately fails. This condition is often prevented when the high pressure of blood going to the lungs is controlled.

What respiratory condition leads to cor pulmonale?

Massive pulmonary embolism is the most common cause of acute cor pulmonale. A massive pulmonary embolism can mimic a myocardial infarction with elevated troponins, ST changes, chest pain, and shortness of breath. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the most common cause of cor pulmonale.

Can cor pulmonale cause pulmonary embolism?

The increased afterload leads to structural alterations in the right ventricle (RV) including RV hypertrophy (RVH) which can be seen in chronic cor pulmonale. Acute cor pulmonale: pulmonary embolism (more common) and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).

What are the complications of cor pulmonale?

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

How long can you live with cor pulmonale?

The mortality rate in patients with cor pulmonale secondary to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is well documented. The 6 months-1 year survival rate (despite intensive medical treatment) is generally very poor: approximately 30 to 35 percent.

Is cor pulmonale curable?

Cor pulmonale is a serious heart condition that develops as a complication of advanced lung disease. Because there is no treatment that can reverse cor pulmonale, prevention is key.

Is cor pulmonale terminal?

Chronic cor pulmonale is the terminal stage of pulmonary hypertension.

What can cause cor pulmonale?

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.

Is cor pulmonale a chronic condition?

Cor pulmonale is usually chronic but may be acute and reversible. Primary pulmonary hypertension. It has many secondary causes; some cases are idiopathic.

What is the prognosis of cor pulmonale?

The overall five-year survival rate for cor pulmonale complicating COPD is approximately 50%. Long-term oxygen therapy improves this and the best prognostic indicator is the pulmonary arterial pressure. Prognosis also appears to be significantly improved by smoking cessation and correct use of LTOT/NOT.

How does cor pulmonale cause death?

Pulmonary hypertension and cor pulmonale can lead to severe fluid retention which, in turn, can cause life-threatening dyspnea, shock, and even death.

Complications list for Cor pulmonale: The list of complications that have been mentioned in various sources for Cor pulmonale includes: Edema. Ascites. Right-side heart failure.

Is cor pulmonale related to COPD?

Cor pulmonale is heart disease resulting from the excessive load imposed on the right ventricle by diseases of the lungs or pulmonary circulation, especially chronic obstructive pulmonary (airways) disease (COPD, COAD; Ch. 15).

What is the plural of cor pulmonale?

Answer The noun cor pulmonale is uncountable. The plural form of cor pulmonale is also cor pulmonale.

Is cor pulmonale pulmonary hypertension?

Cor pulmonale is a condition that most commonly arises out of complications from high blood pressure in the pulmonary arteries (pulmonary hypertension). It’s also known as right-sided heart failure because it occurs within the right ventricle of your heart.