Cardiology 6 - Cor Pulmonale

Question 1

define cor pulmonale

Answer 1

right side heart failure caused by respiratory disease

particularly right ventricular failure

Question 2

respiratory causes of cor pulmonale x5

Answer 2

COPD by far commonest
then
PE, interstitial disease, CF, primary pulmonary HTN

Question 3

presentation of cor pulmonale

Answer 3

often asympto

also SOB, peripheral oedema, exertional breathlessness, syncope, chest pain

Question 4

clinical signs of cor pulmonale x7

Answer 4

hypoxia 
cyanosis 
raised JVP
peripheral oedema
third heart sound
murmurs
hepatomegaly

Question 5

management of cor pulomanle

Answer 5

symptomatic relief and treat cause
often long term oxygen therapy
poor prognosis unless reversible cause