Cor Pulmonale

Question 1

What is cor Pulmonale?

Answer 1

Right sided heart failure due to respiratory pathologies.

Pulmonary arterial hypertension –> raised pressure in RV, RA and systemic venous system.

Question 2

What are the underlying causes of cor-pulmonale?

Answer 2

Respiratory diseases that can lead to cor-pulmonale include:

1) COPD –> is the most common cause
2) Interstitial Lung Disease
3) Cystic Fibrosis
4) Pulmonary embolism
5) Primary pulmonary hypertension

Question 3

How do most patients with early cor Pulmonale present?

What are the signs and symptoms associated with cor-pulmonale?

Answer 3

Early cor Pulmonale –> Asymptomatic

Signs and symptoms
- Breathlessness –> caused by both cor Pulmonale and the underlying respiratory pathology causing cor pulmoblae

• Peripheral oedema due to the systemic venous hypertension
• Raised JVP
• Hepatojugular reflux and hepatomegaly –> pulsatile if evidence of tricuspid regurgitation
• Tricuspid regurgitation (pan systolic murmur)
• Third. heart sound
• Cyanosis

Question 4

What are the principles of managing cor Pulmonale?

Answer 4

• Treat patient’s symptoms
• Treat underlying respiratory cause.

If underlying resp cause is irreversible, then prognosis is for.