COR PULMONALE

General Information

DEFINITION--Congestive heart failure resulting from raised blood pressure in the lungs. This is a complication of disorders that slow or block blood flow in the lungs.

BODY PARTS INVOLVED--Lungs; heart; blood vessels.

SEX OR AGE MOST AFFECTED--Both sexes and all ages, but most common in men over 40.

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

Early stages:

• No symptoms (usually).

Later stages:

• Weakness and fatigue.
• Shortness of breath with exertion.
• Frequent fainting.
• Swelling of the ankles and feet caused by fluid retention.
• Distended neck veins.
• Bluish skin.
• Chest pain.
• Enlarged liver and swollen abdomen.

> Small blood clots that travel to the lung from another body site--usually a deep vein in the calf of the leg--

and obstruct lung blood vessels.

• Primary diseases of the heart, including rheumatic heart disease and congenital heart disease.

RISK INCREASES WITH

• Prolonged bed rest for any illness. This increases the chance of blood-clot formation.
• Smoking.
• Living at high altitudes.
• Occupational exposure to lung damaging materials.

HOW TO PREVENT

• Don't smoke.
• Obtain regular medical treatment for any underlying disorder that can be corrected with surgery or medical treatment.

What To Expect

DIAGNOSTIC MEASURES--

• Your own observation of symptoms.
• Medical history and physical exam by a doctor.
• Laboratory studies of blood and lung function.
• X-rays of the lungs.

APPROPRIATE HEALTH CARE

• Doctor's treatment.
• You may need oxygen. An oxygen therapist can arrange for the type of oxygen that allows you to be up and about.
• Surgery to correct problems caused by congenital or acquired disorders, such as replacing damaged heart valves (sometimes).

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS--Irreversible congestive heart failure and death.

PROBABLE OUTCOME--This condition is currently considered incurable. Many persons live 10 or 15 years after diagnosis, but disability will slowly increase. However, symptoms can be relieved or controlled. Lung transplants may be curative. Scientific research into causes and treatment continues, so there is hope for increasingly effective treatment and cure.

How To Treat

GENERAL MEASURES--

• Avoid contact with people with infections.
• Avoid air irritants (e.g., smoke).
• Weigh daily and keep a record. Any sudden increase may indicate increased fluid retention.
• See Resources for Additional Information.

MEDICATION--Your doctor may prescribe:

• Diuretics to prevent fluid accumulation.
• Digitalis to strengthen the force of heart-muscle contractions.
• Antibiotics for recurrent infections.
• Vasodilators to reduce the resistance of the blood vessels to promote improved blood flow.

ACTIVITY--No restrictions. Be as active as your condition allows, but don't overexert. Rest between activities.

DIET--Eat a diet that is moderate in salt.

Call Your Doctor If

• You have symptoms of cor pulmonale.
• The following occurs during treatment: Temperature of 101F (38.3C) or higher. Weight gain of 3 to 4 pounds in 1 or 2 days. Increased shortness of breath. Increased swelling of the ankles. Cough with sputum that is discolored or tinged with blood.