Cor Pulmonale (Pulmonary Heart Disease)

Overview

Cor pulmonale is enlargement and failure of the right side of the heart caused by chronic lung or pulmonary vascular disease. Increased pulmonary vascular resistance overloads the right ventricle, eventually leading to right heart failure.

Symptoms

• Cough
• Shortness of breath
• Cyanosis
• Edema
• Palpitations

Treatment

Actively treat the underlying lung disease and control infection, provide oxygen therapy to correct hypoxia, and use diuretics and bronchodilators judiciously to reduce cardiac load.

Dietary advice

Low-salt diet, small frequent meals, foods rich in protein and vitamins, and avoidance of gas-producing foods.