Cor Pulmonale: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Sumiran Racherla, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Cor Pulmonale?
A pulmonologist, a lung doctor, or a cardiologist, a heart doctor, usually treats cor pulmonale. Care often involves both. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is cor pulmonale?
Cor pulmonale is a condition that causes the right side of the heart to fail. It can happen quickly, or more commonly, it develops over many years. Other names for it are right-sided heart failure and pulmonary heart disease.
The right side of the heart pushes blood to the lungs, where it picks up oxygen. If the right side cannot do its job, blood backs up in the veins.
Symptoms
Shortness of breath or lightheadedness during activity is often the first symptom. You may also have a fast heartbeat and feel like your heart is pounding.
Over time, symptoms occur with lighter activity or even at rest. Symptoms may include:
- Fainting spells during activity.
- Chest discomfort, usually in the front of the chest, and chest pain.
- Swelling of the feet or ankles.
- Wheezing, coughing, or phlegm.
- Bluish lips and fingers.
Causes and who gets it
Usually, the cause is lung disease. Lung diseases such as COPD can raise the pressure in the blood vessel that connects the heart to the lungs. Blood clots in the lungs can also cause it.
Other conditions that may lead to it include:
- Cystic fibrosis.
- Interstitial lung disease.
- Severe bronchiectasis.
- Obesity.
- Obstructive sleep apnea.
Pulmonary hypertension develops when the blood pressure in your lungs is higher than normal. It is important to treat problems that cause it, because they can lead to cor pulmonale.
How doctors diagnose it
Your provider will do a physical exam and ask about your symptoms. The exam may find swelling of the neck veins, which is a sign of high pressure in the right side of the heart.
Tests may help find cor pulmonale and its cause. They include a chest x-ray and a CT scan of the chest. They also include an echocardiogram and an electrocardiogram (ECG), which checks the heart's electrical activity. Doctors may also check the oxygen in your blood.
Treatment
The goal of treatment is to control symptoms. In general, the cause of your cor pulmonale determines which treatment you receive.
Treatments may include blood thinners to reduce the risk of blood clots. They may also include medicines to manage heart failure symptoms. Some people use oxygen at home.
Your provider will watch you closely during treatment for side effects and to see how well the medicine works. Never stop taking your medicines without first talking to your provider. Do not smoke. Smoking causes lung disease, which can lead to cor pulmonale.
When to see a doctor
Cor pulmonale can lead to severe fluid buildup in your body and shock.
Call 911 or go to the emergency room for severe trouble breathing, chest pain that does not go away, or fainting.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. A direct primary care doctor can review your symptoms and order first tests. They can also help you keep up with lung and heart specialist visits.
Common questions
Is cor pulmonale the same as heart failure?
It is a type of heart failure that affects the right side of the heart.
What causes cor pulmonale?
Usually the cause is lung disease. Blood clots in the lungs can also cause it. So can obstructive sleep apnea.
How well do people with cor pulmonale do?
It depends on the cause. As the illness gets worse, you will need to make changes to your home and may need help around the house.
Can cor pulmonale be prevented?
Not smoking can help, because smoking causes lung disease.
Sources
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
