Symptoms of cor pulmonale

Written by Li Tao
Pulmonology
Updated on September 22, 2024
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Cor pulmonale refers to a disease characterized by increased pulmonary vascular resistance due to pathologies of the bronchi, lung tissue, chest wall, and blood vessels of the lungs, leading to pulmonary arterial hypertension and structural and functional changes in the right ventricle. The common clinical symptoms of cor pulmonale include coughing, expectoration, shortness of breath, significant palpitations, and breathing difficulties after physical activity, reduced work capacity, and exacerbation of the above symptoms during acute infection phases. Some patients may experience chest pain and hemoptysis. The second set of symptoms relates to heart and lung function, manifesting during the decompensation phase. For instance, some patients may develop respiratory failure, and experience headaches, decreased appetite, drowsiness, significant edema in the lower extremities, and further symptoms such as arrhythmias, anorexia, abdominal distension, and nausea.

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Rheumatic Heart Disease Concept

Rheumatic heart disease is a type of organic heart disease caused by a hypersensitivity reaction in the body due to infection by Streptococcus pyogenes. This leads to pathological changes in the heart valves, including the tricuspid and mitral valves, resulting in stenosis or insufficiency which affects hemodynamics. This condition is known as rheumatic heart disease. Patients with rheumatic heart disease should actively seek treatment under the guidance of a doctor in the early stages to control the occurrence of complications.

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Is rheumatic heart disease serious?

Rheumatic heart disease is a type of organic heart disease caused by an abnormal immune response, leading to pathological changes in the heart valves, which pose significant risks to the body. Due to valve insufficiency or stenosis, rheumatic heart disease causes changes in hemodynamics, leading to heart failure and pulmonary edema. These are severe conditions for patients and require timely treatment and correction. If effective dietary therapy is not administered, especially for pulmonary edema, it can be life-threatening.

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The cause of cor pulmonale

Cor pulmonale, also known as pulmonary heart disease, refers to the increased pulmonary vascular resistance caused by pathological changes in the bronchi, lung tissue, thorax, or pulmonary vessels, leading to pulmonary arterial hypertension and subsequent structural and functional changes in the right ventricle. This condition is clinically referred to as cor pulmonale. The causes of cor pulmonale can be divided into three main categories: The first category is diseases of the bronchi and lungs, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which accounts for approximately 80%-90% of cases. Other causes include bronchial asthma, bronchiectasis, severe pulmonary tuberculosis, interstitial pneumonia, and more. The second category involves diseases related to disorders of thoracic cage movement, such as various thoracic deformities, kyphoscoliosis, spinal tuberculosis, arthritis leading to extensive pleural adhesions, and deformities caused by thoracic plastic surgery. The third category includes pulmonary vascular diseases, such as pulmonary arterial hypertension, pulmonary thromboembolism, and other conditions leading to narrowing or blockage of pulmonary arteries, all of which can progress to cor pulmonale.

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Written by Li Tao
Pulmonology
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Manifestations of Cor Pulmonale

Cor pulmonale refers to a disease characterized by changes in heart structure and function due to increased pulmonary vascular resistance caused by pathological conditions of the bronchi, lungs, thoracic cage, or pulmonary vessels, leading to pulmonary arterial hypertension. This condition is collectively known as cor pulmonale. The clinical manifestations of cor pulmonale generally develop slowly. Clinically, in addition to pulmonary and pleural symptoms, there gradually appear signs of pulmonary cardiac failure and damage to other organs. Common symptoms include coughing, expectoration, palpitations, dyspnea, fatigue, decreased endurance to physical activity. In the decompensated stage, symptoms such as worsening dyspnea, headaches, insomnia, decreased appetite, and even some signs of right heart failure like palpitations, poor appetite, abdominal bloating, nausea, and swelling of the lower limbs may occur.

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Written by Li Tao
Pulmonology
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Is pulmonary heart disease serious?

Cor pulmonale refers to the disease characterized by changes in the structure and function of the right ventricle due to increased pressure resistance in the pulmonary vessels, caused by abnormalities in the bronchopulmonary tissue, thoracic cage, pulmonary vessels, etc., ultimately leading to pulmonary arterial hypertension. Common symptoms of cor pulmonale observed clinically include coughing, production of phlegm, shortness of breath, chest tightness after activity, and difficulty breathing. Some individuals may experience respiratory failure and symptoms of heart failure. The severity of cor pulmonale depends firstly on the underlying causes of the disease. For instance, conditions like pulmonary embolism and pulmonary hypertension generally have a poorer and more serious prognosis. Secondly, extensive lung infections leading to a loss of cardiopulmonary compensation, resulting in respiratory failure and heart failure, typically indicate a more severe condition.