What is this disease?
A chronic heart condition, cor pulmonale is an enlargement of the right ventricle resulting from diseases various lung, except those that primarily affect the left heart or congenital heart disease. Invariably, cor pulmonale is a disorder of the lungs, pulmonary vessels, chest wall or respiratory control center. For example, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease produces pulmonary hypertension, which leads to right ventricular enlargement and failure. Because cor pulmonale generally occurs late during the course of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and other diseases irreversible, the prognosis is generally poor.
What causes it?
Approximately 85% of people with cor pulmonale with pulmonary disease chronic obstructive. And 25% of people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease eventually develop cor pulmonale.
Other respiratory disorders that produce cor pulmonale include:
– Obstructive lung diseases such as bronchiectasis and cystic fibrosis
– Restrictive lung diseases, such as black lung and scleroderma
– Loss of lung tissue after extensive lung surgery
– Diseases of the blood vessels of the lungs
– Respiratory failure without lung disease, as seen in muscular dystrophy and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
– Syndrome obesity hypoventilation (Pickwickian syndrome) and upper airway obstruction
– Living at high altitudes (chronic mountain sickness).
To compensate for the extra work needed to force blood through the lungs, the right ventricle dilates and enlarges. Over time, this leads to ventricular failure right. Cor pulmonale accounts for about 25% of all types of heart failure.
Cor pulmonale is most common in areas of the world where the incidence smoking and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is high, but affects middle-aged to elderly more often than women, but the incidence in women is increasing. In children, cor pulmonale can be a complication of cystic fibrosis, upper airway obstruction, scleroderma, extensive bronchiectasis, or other disorders.
What are the symptoms?
In principle, the symptoms reflect the underlying disorder and occur mostly in the system breathing. They include chronic cough, shortness of breath on exertion, wheezing breath, fatigue and weakness. As the disease progresses, symptoms include shortness of breath (even at rest) that worsens with exercise, rapid breathing, swelling, weakness and discomfort in the upper right abdomen. An examination of the chest reveals characteristic findings of the underlying lung disease.
Drowsiness and altered consciousness may occur.
How is it diagnosed?
Pulmonary arterial pressure measurements show an increase in blood pressure and right ventricle due to increased pulmonary vascular resistance lung. Other useful diagnostic tests include echo cardiography (ultrasound of the heart) or angiography, chest radiography, arterial blood gases electrocardiogram, pulmonary function tests, and hematocrit.
How is it treated?
Treatment of cor pulmonale is designed to reduce oxygen deficiency, increased people exercise tolerance, and, where possible, correct the underlying condition.In addition to bed rest, treatment can administration are the following:
– Digitalis glycosides (eg Lanoxin)
– Antibiotics when respiratory infection is present
– Powerful pulmonary arterial vasodilators (such as Hyperstat, Nipride, Aresoline, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors, blockers channels calcium, or prostaglandins) in primary pulmonary hypertension
– Oxygen by mask or, in acute cases, by a mechanical ventilator
– Low-salt diet, restricted fluid intake and diuretics such as Lasix, to reduce inflammation
– Phlebotomy to reduce blood cell count red
– Anticoagulation with small doses of Calciparine to reduce the risk of thromboembolism.
Author has an experience of more than 4 years writing about diseases symptoms. He also holds experience writing about diseases prevention tips and conditions.
Understanding Pulmonary Hypertension