Cor pulmonale Flashcards
1
Q
What is cor pulmonale?
A
right sided heart failure caused by respiratory disease.
Increased pressure and resistance ins the pulmonary arteries leads to the right ventricle being able to pump effectively. Back pressure of blood into the right atrium, vena cava and venous system
2
Q
What are the respiratory causes of cor pulmonale?
A
COPD (most common) Pulmonary embolism Interstitial lung disease cystic fibrosis primary pulmonary hypertension
3
Q
Describe the presentation of cor pulomale
A
often asymptomatic
presenting complaint is shortness of breath (lung disease also causes this)
peripheral oedema
increased breathlessness, syncope and chest pain
4
Q
What are the signs of cor pulmonale?
A
hypoxia cyanosis raised JVP peripheral oedema third heart sound murmurs (pan systolic in tricuspid regurgitation) hepatomegaly
5
Q
What is the manangement of cor pulmonale?
A
treating symptoms and underlying causes
long term oxygen therapy is often used
prognosis is poor unless underlying cause is reversible
