Cor pulmonale Health Article

Treatment

Treatment is directed at the illness that is causing cor pulmonale. Supplemental oxygen may be prescribed to increase the level of oxygen in the blood.

There are many medicines available to treat cor pulmonale.

• Bosentan or sildenafil may be given by mouth
• Calcium channel blockers are often used to treat early cases
• Prostacyclin may be given through injection or breathing in (inhalation)

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

Expectations (prognosis)

The outcome depends on the cause of the condition. Giving oxygen often improves symptoms, stamina, and survival.

Treating primary pulmonary hypertension often leads to greater stamina and a longer life. In some cases, a lung transplant or heart-lung transplant can extend survival.

Complications

Progressive pulmonary hypertension and cor pulmonale may lead to:

• Life-threatening shortness of breath
• Severe fluid retention
• Shock
• Death

Calling your health care provider

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

Prevention

Avoiding behaviors that lead to chronic lung disease (especially cigarette smoking) may prevent the eventual development of cor pulmonale. Careful evaluation of childhood heart murmurs may prevent cor pulmonale caused by certain heart defects.

References

Barst RJ. Pulmonary hypertension. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007: chap 67.