Cor pulmonale

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Acute vs. chronic conditions

Cor pulmonale

Respiratory system

Sarcoid, stage IV - chest X-ray

Right-sided heart failure - cor pulmonale

Treatment is directed at the underlying illness. Supplemental oxygen may be prescribed to increase the level of oxygen in the blood.

There are many medicines available to treat cor pulmonale. Calcium channel blockers are often used to treat early cases. Prostacyclin may be given through injection or inhalation. Bosentan or sildenafil may also be given by mouth.

Blood thinning (anticoagulant) medications may also be prescribed. Surgery may be needed to reverse heart defects that cause the condition. In very advanced cases, heart and lung transplantation may be advised.

The outcome depends on the underlying cause. Giving oxygen often results in improved symptoms, more stamina, and longer survival.

Treatment of primary pulmonary hypertension often leads to more stamina and longer life. In some cases, lung transplant or heart-lung transplant can result in longer survival.

Progressive pulmonary hypertension and cor pulmonale may lead to severe fluid retention, life-threatening shortness of breath, shock, and death.

Call your health care provider if you experience shortness of breath or chest pain.

Review Date: 11/13/2006
Reviewed By: David A. Kaufman, M.D., Assistant Professor, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care & Sleep Medicine, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.