Cor Pulmonale Flashcards
1
Q
What is cor pulmonale?
A
Right sided heart failure secondary to chronic pulmonary arterial hypertension
2
Q
Signs and symptoms of cor pulmonale
A
SOB, fatigue, Syncope
Cyanosis, Raised JVP, hepatomegaly, peripheral oedema, chest veins.
3
Q
Investigations of cor pulmonale?
A
FBC: may show 2* polycythaemia.
ABG: hypoxia +/- hypercapnia
CXR: dilated right atrium / ventricles.
ECG: right axis deviation, right ventricular hypertrophy
4
Q
Management of cor pulmonale?
A
Treat underlying cause.
Treat resp failure: Long term oxygen therapy
Treat cardiac failure: diuretics
Venesection if haematologist > 55%