Cor Pulmonale: Right-Sided Heart Failure in the Spotlight
Cor pulmonale, a serious condition affecting the right side of the heart, has been in the spotlight. This form of right-sided heart failure occurs when the right ventricle struggles to pump blood effectively, often due to high blood pressure in the lungs' arteries. The most common trigger is a pulmonary embolism, typically caused by a blood clot from the leg or pelvic veins blocking a pulmonary artery.
Symptoms of cor pulmonale can be alarming and include shortness of breath, extreme tiredness, a racing heart, lightheadedness, chest pain, leg or feet swelling, fainting, excessive coughing, wheezing, and overwhelming fatigue. If left untreated, complications can escalate rapidly, leading to an enlarged pulmonary artery, thickened right ventricle walls, severe shortness of breath, severe fluid buildup, shock, and even death.
Treatment focuses on addressing the underlying cause, often pulmonary hypertension. Medications are prescribed to lower blood pressure, encourage oxygen flow, manage fluid retention with diuretics, and prevent blood clots with blood thinners. In severe cases, heart or lung transplants, or oxygen therapy may be necessary. Diagnosis involves a thorough physical exam, blood tests, imaging techniques like CT scans and echocardiograms, and sometimes invasive procedures such as right heart catheterization or lung biopsy.
Cor pulmonale is a serious condition that requires prompt attention. Its causes range from pulmonary embolism to chronic lung diseases like COPD. Early diagnosis and effective management of the underlying pulmonary hypertension are key to preventing life-threatening complications. While it can be prevented by controlling high blood pressure in the lungs, untreated pulmonary hypertension can lead to severe complications. Therefore, anyone experiencing symptoms should seek medical attention promptly.
