A cor pulmonale is a condition in which the right side of the heart is enlarged and strained, particularly the right ventricle. An untreated respiratory disorder (pulmonary hypertension) can cause heart failure and other serious complications. This condition is caused by pulmonary hypertension, which leads to high blood pressure in the lungs (pulmonary hypertension).
It is mainly caused by pulmonary hypertension, which is when the blood pressure in the lungs is higher than normal.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Pulmonary embolism (blood clot in the lungs)
Sleep apnea (breathing pauses during sleep)
Cystic fibrosis (genetic disorder that affects the lungs and other organs)
Scleroderma (autoimmune disease that affects the skin and connective tissues)
It makes it harder for the heart to pump blood through the lungs, and puts extra pressure on the right ventricle. These conditions can damage lung tissue, narrow airways, or block blood flow. Cor pulmonale, or right-sided heart failure, occurs when the right ventricle becomes enlarged and weak over time, and cannot pump enough blood to the body.
The symptoms of cor pulmonale may not be noticeable at first, because they are similar to the feelings you get after a hard workout. They include:
Shortness of breath
Tiredness
Increased heart rate
Lightheadedness
As the condition worsens, these symptoms may flare up even during periods of rest. You may also experience:
Chest pain
Leg or feet swelling
Fainting
Excessive coughing
Wheezing
Excessive fatigue
If you have any of these symptoms, you should see your doctor as soon as possible.
If your doctor suspects you have cor pulmonale, he or she will perform a physical exam, ask about your symptoms, and order some tests to evaluate your heart and lung function.
Electrocardiogram (ECG) to measure the electrical activity of your heart
Echocardiogram to create an image of your heart using sound waves
Chest X-ray to look for signs of lung damage or enlargement of the heart
Blood tests to check for oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in your blood
Pulmonary function tests to measure how well you breathe
Right heart catheterization to measure the pressure in your pulmonary arteries
These tests can help your doctor determine the cause and severity of your cor pulmonale, and plan the best treatment for you.
Depending on the cause and the extent of damage to your heart and lungs, cor pulmonale can be treated differently. In order to reduce the pressure in the pulmonary arteries and relieve your symptoms, treatment aims to improve your lung function.
Some of the common treatment options for cor pulmonale are:
Medications to lower your blood pressure, reduce inflammation, prevent blood clots, or relax your blood vessels
Oxygen therapy to provide extra oxygen to your lungs and body
Diuretics to remove excess fluid from your body and reduce swelling
Lifestyle changes to quit smoking, lose weight, exercise regularly, and avoid high altitudes
Surgery to remove blood clots, repair lung damage, or implant a device to help your heart pump better
Heart or lung transplant to replace your damaged organ with a healthy one from a donor
Based on your condition and preferences, your doctor will prescribe the best treatment for you. You may need to take several medications and undergo regular check-ups to monitor your progress.
The best way to prevent cor pulmonale is to prevent or treat the lung diseases or conditions that cause it. You can do this by:
Avoiding smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke
Getting vaccinated against flu and pneumonia
Following your doctor’s advice on managing your lung condition
Taking your medications as prescribed
Seeking medical help if you have any signs of infection or worsening symptoms
Eating a healthy diet and limiting salt intake
Drinking enough water and avoiding alcohol
Getting enough sleep and managing stress
By taking good care of your lungs and heart, you can reduce your risk of developing cor pulmonale and improve your quality of life.
