Cor pulmonale Flashcards
1
Q
What is cor pulmonale?
A
Right sided HF, caused by respiratory disease.
Pulmonary HTN leads to increased pressure in the right atrium, superior vena cava and the systemic venous system
2
Q
What are the symptoms of cor pulmonale?
A
Most are asymptomatic SOB (most common) Peripheral oedema Syncope Chest pain
3
Q
What are the signs of cor pulmonale?
A
Hypoxia
Cyanosis
Raised JVP (due to a back-log of blood in the jugular veins)
Peripheral oedema
Third heart sound
Murmurs (e.g. pan-systolic in tricuspid regurgitation)
Hepatomegaly due to back pressure in the hepatic vein (pulsatile in tricuspid regurgitation)
4
Q
What are the causes of cor pulmonale? What’s the most common?
A
Most common- COPD PE ILD CF primary pulmonary HTN
5
Q
How is cor pulmonale managed?
A
Treat/ reverse underlying cause
Symptom control with oxygen therapy and diuretics (reduce oedema)
