Cor PulmonaleSymptoms, Doctors, Treatments, Advances & More
Learn About Cor Pulmonale
Cor pulmonale is a condition that causes the right side of the heart to fail. Long-term high blood pressure in the pulmonary arteries of the lung and right ventricle of the heart can lead to cor pulmonale.
Right-sided heart failure; Pulmonary heart disease
High blood pressure in the pulmonary arteries of the lungs is called pulmonary hypertension. It is the most common cause of cor pulmonale.
In people who have pulmonary hypertension, changes in the small blood vessels inside the lungs can lead to increased blood pressure in the right side of the heart. This makes it harder for the heart to pump blood to the lungs. If this high pressure continues, it puts a strain on the right side of the heart. That strain can cause cor pulmonale.
Lung conditions that cause a low blood oxygen level in the blood over a long time can also lead to cor pulmonale. Some of these are:
- Autoimmune diseases that damage the lungs, such as scleroderma
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Chronic blood clots in the lungs
- Cystic fibrosis (CF)
- Severe bronchiectasis
- Scarring of the lung tissue (interstitial lung disease)
- Severe curving of the upper part of the spine (kyphoscoliosis)
- Obstructive sleep apnea, which causes stops in breathing during sleep
- Idiopathic (no specific cause) tightening (constriction) of the blood vessels of the lungs, also called primary pulmonary hypertension
- Severe left-sided heart failure
Shortness of breath or lightheadedness during activity is often the first symptom of cor pulmonale. You may also have a fast heartbeat and feel like your heart is pounding.
Over time, symptoms occur with lighter activity or even while you are at rest. Symptoms you may have are:
- Fainting spells during activity
- Chest discomfort, usually in the front of the chest
- Chest pain
- Swelling of the feet or ankles
- Symptoms of lung disorders, such as wheezing or coughing or phlegm production
- Bluish lips and fingers (cyanosis)
The goal of treatment is to control symptoms. It is important to treat medical problems that cause pulmonary hypertension, because they can lead to cor pulmonale.
Many treatment options are available. In general, the cause of your cor pulmonale will determine which treatment you receive.
If your provider prescribes medicines, you may take them by mouth (oral), receive them through a vein (intravenous or IV), or breathe them in (inhaled). You will be closely monitored during treatment to watch for side effects and to see how well the medicine works for you. Never stop taking your medicines without first talking to your provider.
Other treatments may include:
- Blood thinners to reduce the risk of blood clots
- Medicines to manage heart failure symptoms
- Oxygen therapy at home (as in most cases of cor pulmonale, oxygen is low)
- A lung or heart-lung transplant, if medicine does not work
Important tips to follow:
- Avoid strenuous activities and heavy lifting.
- Avoid traveling to high altitudes.
- Get a yearly flu vaccine, as well as other vaccines, such as the pneumococcal (pneumonia) vaccine, and the COVID-19 vaccine.
- If you smoke, stop.
- Limit how much salt you eat. Your provider also may ask you to limit how much fluid you drink during the day.
- Use oxygen if your provider prescribes it.
- Women should not get pregnant.
Susanna Price practices practicing medicine in London, United Kingdom. Ms. Price is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Cor Pulmonale. She is also highly rated in 14 other conditions, according to our data. Her clinical expertise encompasses Cor Pulmonale, Cardiogenic Shock, Heart Attack, Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI), and Heart Transplant.
Advocate Heart Institute
Amer Husseini is a Cardiologist practicing medicine in Chicago, Illinois. Dr. Husseini is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Cor Pulmonale. He is also highly rated in 10 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Cor Pulmonale, Hypertension, Glucocorticoid-Remediable Aldosteronism, Colonoscopy, and Advanced Bronchoscopy. Dr. Husseini is board certified in American Board Of Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Disease.
Intermountain Health Heart & Vascular - Denver
Bridget Beck, MD, FACC, is a board-certified cardiologist. As a seasoned physician, her experience includes clinical practice, tertiary hospital care, advanced cardiac imaging, and diagnostic catheterization. Her clinical interests include women’s heart disease and valvular heart disease. With a deep commitment to patient care, Dr. Beck believes in the power of listening to her patients and getting to know them personally. She recognizes that a compassionate, patient-centered approach is essential in providing the best possible care.“I love doing the detective work to help patients get the answers they need. While this always involves using my scientific knowledge, the most rewarding cases rely on really getting to know a patient and incorporating years of experience to come to a conclusion.”By taking the time to understand her patients' unique needs, Dr. Beck ensures that each individual receives the most appropriate advice, testing, and interventions to maintain heart health and enhance quality of life. Her focus is not just on treating heart conditions but also on empowering her patients to make informed decisions about their health and well-being.Outside of work, Dr. Beck loves being on the sidelines of her daughters' soccer games, witnessing their growth on the slopes, and sneaking in a run. In rare downtime, she enjoys traveling with her husband and teaching their girls about the world, one misadventure at a time. Dr. Beck is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Cor Pulmonale. She is also highly rated in 39 other conditions, according to our data. Her clinical expertise encompasses Arrhythmias, Inappropriate Sinus Tachycardia (IST), Aortic Regurgitation, Pacemaker Implantation, and Cardiac Ablation. Dr. Beck is board certified in American Board Of Internal Medicine. Dr. Beck is currently accepting new patients.
How well you do depends on the cause of your cor pulmonale.
As your illness gets worse, you will need to make changes to your home so that you can manage as well as possible. You will also need help around your house.
Cor pulmonale may lead to:
- Life-threatening shortness of breath
- Severe fluid buildup in your body
- Shock
- Death
Contact your provider if you have shortness of breath or chest pain.
Do not smoke. Smoking causes lung disease, which can lead to cor pulmonale.
Summary: PURPOSE The two related purposes of the RE-TyPE study are: 1. To improve understanding of the early clinical course of intermediate-high risk pulmonary embolism and its association with outcome and 2. To establish a platform for longitudinal follow-up for all pulmonary embolism at Sahlgrenska University Hospital HYPOTHESES 1. The dynamic pattern of change, evaluated thorough repeated measures of b...
Summary: Pulmonary hypertension secondary to left heart disease is associated with increased morbidity and mortality, particularly in patients with rheumatic chronic valvular heart disease, which remains highly prevalent in low- and middle-income countries. These patients often present late with severe pulmonary hypertension, limiting surgical options and worsening outcomes. Sildenafil, a phosphodiesterase...
Published Date: May 03, 2024
Published By: Allen J. Blaivas, DO, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, VA New Jersey Health Care System, Clinical Assistant Professor, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, East Orange, NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
Lammi MR, Mathai SC. Pulmonary hypertension: general approach. In: Broaddus VC, Ernst JD, King TE, et al, eds. Murray and Nadel's Textbook of Respiratory Medicine. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 83.
Maron B. Pulmonary hypertension. In: Libby P, Bonow RO, Mann DL, Tomaselli GF, Braunwald E, eds. Braunwald's Heart Disease: A Textbook of Cardiovascular Medicine. 12th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 88.