PCCN Cor Pulmonale

PCCN Cor Pulmonale 

Cor 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.  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)
• 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 because of airway inflammation
• Idiopathic (no specific cause) tightening (constriction) of the blood vessels of the lungs

Signs and 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)

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 doctor.

Other treatments may include:

• Blood thinners to reduce the risk of blood clots
• Medicines to manage heart failure symptoms
• Oxygen therapy at home
• A lung or heart-lung transplant, if medicine does not work