This document provides information about cor pulmonare, including its definition, etiology, signs and symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment. Cor pulmonare is a set of right ventricular alterations secondary to precapillary pulmonary hypertension that can be caused by lung, chest cage, or ventilation issues. It is usually chronic and caused by conditions like COPD that lead to low blood oxygen over long periods of time. Symptoms include difficulty breathing, dizziness, swelling, and cyanosis. Diagnosis involves physical exams, blood tests, imaging, and right heart catheterization. Treatment goals are symptom control and addressing the underlying cause through medications, oxygen therapy, or transplant if needed.

1. UNIVERSIDAD TECNICA DE MACHALA
ACADEMIC UNIT OF CHEMICAL
SCIENCES AND HEALTH
MEDICINE SCHOOL
ENGLISH
COR PULMONARE
STUDENTS
William Cruz
Kevin Herrera
Jorge Pacheco
Angie Chamba
Sonia Quijilema
TEACHER:
Mgs. Barreto Huilcapi Lina Maribel
CLASS:
EIGHTH SEMESTER ‘’A’’
Machala, El Oro
2018

2. Cor Pulmonare
Definition
Set of functional and / or morphological alterations of the right ventricle secondary to
precapillary pulmonary hypertension that can be caused by an anatomical or functional
alteration of the pulmonary parenchyma, the thoracic cage or the control of ventilation.
To diagnose it, other causes of pulmonary hypertension should be ruled out, such as left
heart disease, congenital heart disease and pulmonary veno-occlusive disease.
Its onset can be acute (acute cor pulmonale), produced by a sudden increase in pulmonary
artery resistance, typically by a pulmonary embolism, and which presents with symptoms
of acute right heart failure.
It is most frequently chronic (chronic cor pulmonale), in the case of chronic pulmonary
diseases such as COPD, primary pulmonary hypertension, etc., the main manifestations
being those arising from chronic right heart failure.

3. Etiology
High blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs is called pulmonary hypertension and is the
most common cause of cor pulmonale.
In people who have pulmonary hypertension, changes in the small blood vessels within the
lungs can lead to increased blood pressure on the right side of the heart. This makes it
harder for the heart to pump blood to the lungs. If this high pressure continues, this exerts
tension on the right side of the heart. That tension can cause cor pulmonale.
Chronic lung conditions that cause low levels of oxygen in the blood for a long time may
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
 Scarring of lung tissue (interstitial lung disease)
 Marked curvature of the upper part of the spine (kyphoscoliosis)
 Obstructive sleep apnea, in which pauses occur during breathing due to
inflammation of the respiratory tract
 Idiopathic (construction) hardening (without specific cause) of the blood vessels of
the lungs.
Signs and symptoms
Difficulty breathing or dizziness during activity is often the first symptom of cor
pulmonale. You can also have a rapid heartbeat and feel like your heart is beating.
Over time, symptoms occur with milder activity or even while at rest. The symptoms you
may have are:
 Episodes of fainting with activity
 Discomfort in the chest, usually in the front
 Chest pain
 Swelling of the feet or ankles
 Symptoms of lung disorders, such as wheezing or cough or production of phlegm
 Blue lips and fingers (cyanosis)

4. Diagnosis
The physical examination may show:
 Abnormal accumulation of fluid in the abdomen
 Abnormal heart sounds
 Purple skin color
 Inflammation of the liver
 Swelling of the neck veins indicating increased pressure in the right part of the heart
 Swelling of the ankles
These tests can help diagnose cor pulmonale, as well as its cause:
 Blood antibody tests
 Blood test to check for a substance called brain natriuretic peptide (PNC)
 Chest x-ray
 Computed tomography of the chest with or without an injection of a contrast dye
(dye)
 Echocardiography
 ECG
 Lung biopsy (rarely done)
 Measurement of oxygen in the blood when examining arterial blood gases (arterial
blood gases)
 Pulmonary function tests
 Right heart catheterization
 Ventilation and perfusion scintigraphy of the lungs (V / Q scan)
 Exams for autoimmune lung disease
Treatment
The goal of treatment is to control the symptoms. It is important to treat the health disorders
that cause pulmonary hypertension because they can lead to cor pulmonale.
There are many treatment options. In general, the cause of your cor pulmonale will
determine what treatment you will receive.
If your provider prescribes medications, you can take them orally, receive them through a
vein (intravenous or IV) or inhale them. You will be monitored closely during treatment to

5. watch for side effects and see how well the medication works for you. Never stop taking
your medications without talking to your doctor.
Other treatments may include:
 Anticoagulants to reduce the risk of blood clots
 Medications to manage the symptoms of heart failure
 Oxygen therapy at home
 A lung or heart and lung transplant if the medication has no effect
Important tips to follow:
 Avoid strenuous activities and the lifting of heavy objects.
 Avoid traveling to great heights.
 Get a flu shot like other vaccines like pneumonia each year.
 If you smoke, stop.
 Use oxygen if prescribed by your doctor.
 Women should not get pregnant.
Prevention
Do not smoke. Smoking causes lung disease, which can lead to cor pulmonale.
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 Budev MM, Arroliga AC, Wiedemann HP, Matthay RA. Cor pulmonale: an
overview. Seminars in Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine 2003; 24: 233-244.
 Field A, Mathai SC, Le Pavec J, Zaiman AL, Hummers LK, Boyce D, Housten T,
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