Cor Pulmonale Flashcards
1
Q
what is cor pulmonale
A
right sided heart failure caused by respiratory disease
2
Q
outline the pathophysiology of cor pulmonale
A
pulmonary hypertension as a result of resp disease, results in right ventricle being unable to effectively pump blood out and into pulmonary arteries. leads to back pressure of blood in right atrium, vena cava and systemic venous system
3
Q
what respiratory conditions can cause cor pulmonale (5), which is most common
A
- COPD (most common)
- pulmonary embolism
- interstitial lung disease
- cystic fibrosis
- primary pulmonary hypertension
4
Q
how does cor pulmonale present (6)
A
- Px with early cor pulmonale often asymptomatic
- SoB
- peripheral oedema
- ^ breathlessness on exertion
- syncope
- chest pain
5
Q
what signs of cor pulmonale would you examine Px for (7)
A
- hypoxia
- cyanosis
- raised JVP
- peripheral oedema
- third heart sound
- murmurs
- hepatomegaly
6
Q
what is the management for cor pulmonale (2)
A
- treating symptoms and underlying cause
- long term oxygen therapy used
