Cor pulmonale

• Cor pulmonale is a group of circulatory disorders characterized by pulmonary hypertension (increased blood pressure in the pulmonary arteries that supply blood to the lungs) enlargement and dysfunction. That is, cor pulmonale is a type of heart failure that is caused by an underlying lung disease or chronic respiratory disease.

• The main symptom of cor pulmonale is shortness of breath, especially with physical activity or exertion. Other symptoms may include fatigue, chest pain, swelling of the legs, ankles, or feet, and bluish skin.

• Causes of cor pulmonale include: COPD, pulmonary fibrosis, pulmonary embolism, sleep apnea, cystic fibrosis, bronchitis and Sarcoidosis

• Treatment options for cor pulmonale usually involve addressing the underlying condition or disease causing pulmonary hypertension. These include: medicines to lower blood pressure in the lungs, oxygen therapy to improve breathing and oxygen levels in the blood, diuretics to reduce fluid retention in the body, treatment of underlying lung disease, and lifestyle changes (quitting smoking and avoiding exposure to air pollutants)