BACK TOTOP Browse A-ZSearchBrowse A-ZABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ0-9 E-mail FormEmail ResultsName:Email address:Recipients Name:Recipients address:Message: Print-FriendlyBookmarksbookmarks-menuCor pulmonaleRight-sided heart failure; Pulmonary heart diseaseCor pulmonale is a condition that causes the right side of the heart to fail. Long-term high blood pressure in the arteries of the lung and right ventricle of the heart can lead to cor pulmonale. Causes High blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs is called pulmonary hypertension. It is the most common cause of cor pulmonale.High blood pressureBlood pressure is a measurement of the force exerted against the walls of your arteries as your heart pumps blood to your body. Hypertension is the ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Pulmonary hypertensionPulmonary hypertension is high blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs. It makes the right side of the heart work harder than normal.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article 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 Autoimmune diseasesAn autoimmune disorder occurs when the body's immune system attacks and destroys healthy body tissue by mistake. There are more than 80 autoimmune d...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article SclerodermaScleroderma is a disease that involves the buildup of fibrous tissue in the skin and elsewhere in the body. It also damages the cells that line the ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) Chronic obstructive pulmonary diseaseChronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common lung disease. Having COPD makes it hard to breathe. There are two main forms of COPD:Chroni...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Chronic blood clots in the lungs Cystic fibrosis (CF) Cystic fibrosisCystic fibrosis is a disease that causes thick, sticky mucus to build up in the lungs, digestive tract, and other areas of the body. It is one of th...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Severe bronchiectasis Severe bronchiectasisBronchiectasis is a disease in which the large airways in the lungs are damaged. This causes the airways to become permanently wider. Bronchiectasis...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Scarring of the lung tissue (interstitial lung disease) Interstitial lung diseaseInterstitial lung disease (ILD) is a group of lung disorders in which the lung tissues become inflamed and then damaged.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Severe curving of the upper part of the spine (kyphoscoliosis) KyphoscoliosisScoliosis is an abnormal curving of the spine. Your spine is your backbone. It runs straight down your back. Everyone's spine naturally curves a b...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Obstructive sleep apnea, which causes stops in breathing because of airway inflammation Obstructive sleep apneaObstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a problem in which your breathing pauses during sleep. This occurs because of narrowed or blocked airways.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Idiopathic (no specific cause) tightening (constriction) of the blood vessels of the lungs Severe left-sided heart failure Symptoms 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) Exams and Tests Your health care provider will perform a physical exam and ask about your symptoms. The exam may find:Fluid buildup in your belly Abnormal heart sounds Bluish skin Liver swelling Swelling of the neck veins, which is a sign of high pressure in the right side of the heart Ankle swelling These tests may help diagnose cor pulmonale as well as its cause:Blood antibody tests Blood test to check for a substance called brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) BNPBrain natriuretic peptide (BNP) test is a blood test that measures levels of a protein called BNP that is made by your heart and blood vessels. BNP ...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Chest x-ray Chest x-rayA chest x-ray is an x-ray of the chest, lungs, heart, large arteries, ribs, and diaphragm.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article CT scan of the chest, with or without an injection of a contrast fluid (dye) CT scan of the chestA chest CT (computed tomography) scan is an imaging method that uses x-rays to create cross-sectional pictures of the chest and upper abdomen....ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Echocardiogram EchocardiogramAn echocardiogram is a test that uses sound waves to create pictures of the heart. The picture and information it produces is more detailed than a s...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article ECG ECGAn electrocardiogram (ECG) is a test that records the electrical activity of the heart.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Lung biopsy (rarely done) Lung biopsyAn open lung biopsy is surgery to remove a small piece of tissue from the lung. The sample is then examined for cancer, infection, or lung disease....ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Measurement of blood oxygen by checking arterial blood gas (ABG) ABGBlood gases are a measurement of how much oxygen and carbon dioxide are in your blood. They also determine the acidity (pH) of your blood.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Pulmonary (lung) function tests Pulmonary (lung) function testsPulmonary function tests are a group of tests that measure breathing and how well the lungs are functioning.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Right heart catheterization Right heart catheterizationSwan-Ganz catheterization (also called right heart catheterization or pulmonary artery catheterization) is the passing of a thin tube (catheter) into...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Ventilation and perfusion scan of the lungs (V/Q scan) Ventilation and perfusion scan of the l...A pulmonary ventilation/perfusion scan involves two nuclear scan tests to measure breathing (ventilation) and circulation (perfusion) in all areas of...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Tests for autoimmune lung disease Treatment 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 Medicines to manage heart failure sympt...Most people who have heart failure need to take medicines. Some of these medicines are used to treat your symptoms. Others may help prevent your he...Read Article Now Book Mark Article 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 pneumonia vaccine, and the COVID vaccine. Flu vaccineAll content below is taken in its entirety from the CDC Inactivated Influenza Vaccine Information Statement (VIS) www. cdc. gov/vaccines/hcp/vis/vis-...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Pneumonia vaccineContent below is taken in its entirety from the CDC Information Statement (VIS): www. cdc. gov/vaccines/hcp/vis/vis-statements/pcv. htmlImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article COVID vaccineCOVID-19 vaccines are used to prepare the body's immune system to protect against COVID-19. Everyone ages 6 months and older should get a 2023-2024 u...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article 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. Outlook (Prognosis) 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. Possible Complications Cor pulmonale may lead to:Life-threatening shortness of breath Severe fluid buildup in your body Shock ShockShock is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the body is not getting enough blood flow. Lack of blood flow means the cells and organs do n...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Death When to Contact a Medical Professional Contact your provider if you have shortness of breath or chest pain. Prevention Do not smoke. Smoking causes lung disease, which can lead to cor pulmonale.Open ReferencesReferencesLammi 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.AllVideoImagesTogSarcoid, stage IV - chest x-ray - illustration This film shows advanced sarcoid, scarring of the lungs (the light streaking), and cavity formation (the dark areas in the upper right side of the picture).Sarcoid, stage IV - chest x-rayillustrationAcute vs. chronic conditions - illustration Acute conditions are severe and sudden in onset. This could describe anything from a broken bone to an asthma attack. A chronic condition, by contrast is a long-developing syndrome, such as osteoporosis or asthma. Note that osteoporosis, a chronic condition, may cause a broken bone, an acute condition. An acute asthma attack occurs in the midst of the chronic disease of asthma. Acute conditions, such as a first asthma attack, may lead to a chronic syndrome if untreated.Acute vs. chronic conditionsillustrationCor pulmonale - illustration Chronically low blood levels of oxygen may lead to pulmonary hypertension (high blood pressure in the lungs), and possibly to cor pulmonale. Cor pulmonale is also called right-sided heart failure, and is characterized by enlargement of the right ventricle. Treatment targets the underlying illness and may include supplemental oxygen, a low-salt diet or calcium channel blockers.Cor pulmonaleillustrationRespiratory system - illustration Air is breathed in through the nasal passageways, travels through the trachea and bronchi to the lungs.Respiratory systemillustrationSarcoid, stage IV - chest x-ray - illustration This film shows advanced sarcoid, scarring of the lungs (the light streaking), and cavity formation (the dark areas in the upper right side of the picture).Sarcoid, stage IV - chest x-rayillustrationAcute vs. chronic conditions - illustration Acute conditions are severe and sudden in onset. This could describe anything from a broken bone to an asthma attack. A chronic condition, by contrast is a long-developing syndrome, such as osteoporosis or asthma. Note that osteoporosis, a chronic condition, may cause a broken bone, an acute condition. An acute asthma attack occurs in the midst of the chronic disease of asthma. Acute conditions, such as a first asthma attack, may lead to a chronic syndrome if untreated.Acute vs. chronic conditionsillustrationCor pulmonale - illustration Chronically low blood levels of oxygen may lead to pulmonary hypertension (high blood pressure in the lungs), and possibly to cor pulmonale. Cor pulmonale is also called right-sided heart failure, and is characterized by enlargement of the right ventricle. Treatment targets the underlying illness and may include supplemental oxygen, a low-salt diet or calcium channel blockers.Cor pulmonaleillustrationRespiratory system - illustration Air is breathed in through the nasal passageways, travels through the trachea and bronchi to the lungs.Respiratory systemillustrationSelf Care Heart failure in children - home careRelated Information Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)(Condition)Obstructive sleep apnea - adults(Condition)Central sleep apnea(Condition)Acute mountain sickness(Condition)Cystic fibrosis(Condition)Pulmonary hypertension(Condition)Coal worker's pneumoconiosis(Condition)Scoliosis(Condition)Interstitial lung disease(Condition)Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease - adults - discharge(Discharge)Heart failure - InDepth(In-Depth)Obstructive sleep apnea - InDepth(In-Depth)Scoliosis - InDepth(In-Depth) Review Date: 1/20/2022 Reviewed By: Denis Hadjiliadis, MD, MHS, Paul F. Harron, Jr. Associate Professor of Medicine, Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team. The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. No warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, is made as to the accuracy, reliability, timeliness, or correctness of any translations made by a third-party service of the information provided herein into any other language. © 1997- A.D.A.M., a business unit of Ebix, Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. © 1997- All rights reserved. A.D.A.M. content is best viewed in IE9 or above, Firefox and Google Chrome browser.Content is best viewed in IE9 or above, Firefox and Google Chrome browser.
Cor pulmonaleRight-sided heart failure; Pulmonary heart diseaseCor pulmonale is a condition that causes the right side of the heart to fail. Long-term high blood pressure in the arteries of the lung and right ventricle of the heart can lead to cor pulmonale. Causes High blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs is called pulmonary hypertension. It is the most common cause of cor pulmonale.High blood pressureBlood pressure is a measurement of the force exerted against the walls of your arteries as your heart pumps blood to your body. Hypertension is the ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Pulmonary hypertensionPulmonary hypertension is high blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs. It makes the right side of the heart work harder than normal.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article 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 Autoimmune diseasesAn autoimmune disorder occurs when the body's immune system attacks and destroys healthy body tissue by mistake. There are more than 80 autoimmune d...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article SclerodermaScleroderma is a disease that involves the buildup of fibrous tissue in the skin and elsewhere in the body. It also damages the cells that line the ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) Chronic obstructive pulmonary diseaseChronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common lung disease. Having COPD makes it hard to breathe. There are two main forms of COPD:Chroni...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Chronic blood clots in the lungs Cystic fibrosis (CF) Cystic fibrosisCystic fibrosis is a disease that causes thick, sticky mucus to build up in the lungs, digestive tract, and other areas of the body. It is one of th...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Severe bronchiectasis Severe bronchiectasisBronchiectasis is a disease in which the large airways in the lungs are damaged. This causes the airways to become permanently wider. Bronchiectasis...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Scarring of the lung tissue (interstitial lung disease) Interstitial lung diseaseInterstitial lung disease (ILD) is a group of lung disorders in which the lung tissues become inflamed and then damaged.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Severe curving of the upper part of the spine (kyphoscoliosis) KyphoscoliosisScoliosis is an abnormal curving of the spine. Your spine is your backbone. It runs straight down your back. Everyone's spine naturally curves a b...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Obstructive sleep apnea, which causes stops in breathing because of airway inflammation Obstructive sleep apneaObstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a problem in which your breathing pauses during sleep. This occurs because of narrowed or blocked airways.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Idiopathic (no specific cause) tightening (constriction) of the blood vessels of the lungs Severe left-sided heart failure Symptoms 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) Exams and Tests Your health care provider will perform a physical exam and ask about your symptoms. The exam may find:Fluid buildup in your belly Abnormal heart sounds Bluish skin Liver swelling Swelling of the neck veins, which is a sign of high pressure in the right side of the heart Ankle swelling These tests may help diagnose cor pulmonale as well as its cause:Blood antibody tests Blood test to check for a substance called brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) BNPBrain natriuretic peptide (BNP) test is a blood test that measures levels of a protein called BNP that is made by your heart and blood vessels. BNP ...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Chest x-ray Chest x-rayA chest x-ray is an x-ray of the chest, lungs, heart, large arteries, ribs, and diaphragm.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article CT scan of the chest, with or without an injection of a contrast fluid (dye) CT scan of the chestA chest CT (computed tomography) scan is an imaging method that uses x-rays to create cross-sectional pictures of the chest and upper abdomen....ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Echocardiogram EchocardiogramAn echocardiogram is a test that uses sound waves to create pictures of the heart. The picture and information it produces is more detailed than a s...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article ECG ECGAn electrocardiogram (ECG) is a test that records the electrical activity of the heart.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Lung biopsy (rarely done) Lung biopsyAn open lung biopsy is surgery to remove a small piece of tissue from the lung. The sample is then examined for cancer, infection, or lung disease....ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Measurement of blood oxygen by checking arterial blood gas (ABG) ABGBlood gases are a measurement of how much oxygen and carbon dioxide are in your blood. They also determine the acidity (pH) of your blood.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Pulmonary (lung) function tests Pulmonary (lung) function testsPulmonary function tests are a group of tests that measure breathing and how well the lungs are functioning.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Right heart catheterization Right heart catheterizationSwan-Ganz catheterization (also called right heart catheterization or pulmonary artery catheterization) is the passing of a thin tube (catheter) into...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Ventilation and perfusion scan of the lungs (V/Q scan) Ventilation and perfusion scan of the l...A pulmonary ventilation/perfusion scan involves two nuclear scan tests to measure breathing (ventilation) and circulation (perfusion) in all areas of...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Tests for autoimmune lung disease Treatment 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 Medicines to manage heart failure sympt...Most people who have heart failure need to take medicines. Some of these medicines are used to treat your symptoms. Others may help prevent your he...Read Article Now Book Mark Article 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 pneumonia vaccine, and the COVID vaccine. Flu vaccineAll content below is taken in its entirety from the CDC Inactivated Influenza Vaccine Information Statement (VIS) www. cdc. gov/vaccines/hcp/vis/vis-...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Pneumonia vaccineContent below is taken in its entirety from the CDC Information Statement (VIS): www. cdc. gov/vaccines/hcp/vis/vis-statements/pcv. htmlImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article COVID vaccineCOVID-19 vaccines are used to prepare the body's immune system to protect against COVID-19. Everyone ages 6 months and older should get a 2023-2024 u...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article 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. Outlook (Prognosis) 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. Possible Complications Cor pulmonale may lead to:Life-threatening shortness of breath Severe fluid buildup in your body Shock ShockShock is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the body is not getting enough blood flow. Lack of blood flow means the cells and organs do n...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Death When to Contact a Medical Professional Contact your provider if you have shortness of breath or chest pain. Prevention Do not smoke. Smoking causes lung disease, which can lead to cor pulmonale.Open ReferencesReferencesLammi 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.