cor pulmonale

Question 1

what is cor pulmonale?

Answer 1

right sided heart failure caused by respiratory disease

Question 2

how does cor pulmonale occur?

Answer 2

increased pressure in pulmonary arteries results in right ventricle ineffectively pumping blood - back pressure into vena cava and systemic venous system

Question 3

resp causes

Answer 3

COPD - most common

PE, ILD, CF, primary pulmonary hypertension

Question 4

presentation

Answer 4

early = no symptoms

SOB, peripheral oedema, syncope, chest pain

Question 5

signs on examination

Answer 5

hypoxia, cyanosis

raised JVP, peripheral oedema, hepatomegaly, murmurs - pansystolic in tricuspid regurgitation

Question 6

management

Answer 6

long term oxygen therapy