85% of patients diagnosed with cor pulmonale have COPD
Cor pulmonale is best prevented by prevention of COPD and other irreversible diseases that lead to heart failure
right-sided heart failure, when the right ventricle is hypertrophied or dilated which is secondary to pulmonary hypertension (usu. d/t pulmonary embolism in acute cor pulmonale, but d/t COPD in chronic cor pulmonale)
The prognosis for cor pulmonale is poor, particularly because it occurs late in the process of serious disease
A large pulmonary thromboembolism (blood clot) may lead to acute cor pulmonale
Treatment of cor pulmonale is aimed at increasing a patient's exercise tolerance and improving oxygen levels of the arterial blood
Impaired Gas Exchanged related to perfusion problem Decreased cardiac output related ventricular inefficiency
Cor Pulmonale
Cor pulmonale
cor pulmonale
Tests used to support a diagnosis of cor pulmonale may include arterial blood gas analysis, pulmonary function tests, x-rays, MRIs, and hematocrit
They include chronic coughing, wheezing, weakness, fatigue, and shortness of breath. Edema (abnormal buildup of fluid), weakness, and discomfort in the upper chest may be evident in cor pulmonale
This condition can lead to heart failure