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Cor Pulmonale
Alternate Names : Right-Sided Heart Failure - Cor Pulmonale
Definition
Failure of the right side of the heart caused by prolonged high blood pressure in the pulmonary artery and right ventricle of the heart.
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Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
Normally, the left side of the heart produces a higher level of blood pressure in order to pump blood to the body; the right side pumps blood through the lungs under much lower pressure. Any condition that leads to prolonged high blood pressure in the arteries or veins of the lungs (called pulmonary hypertension) will be poorly tolerated by the right ventricle of the heart. When this right ventricle fails or is unable to properly pump against these abnormally high pressures, this is called cor pulmonale.
Almost any chronic lung disease or condition causing prolonged low blood oxygen can lead to cor pulmonale. A few of these causes include:
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Jump to another section
• Definition
• Cor Pulmonale Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
• Cor Pulmonale Symptoms & Signs
• Cor Pulmonale Prevention
• Cor Pulmonale Diagnosis & Tests
• Cor Pulmonale Treatment
• Cor Pulmonale Prognosis
• Cor Pulmonale Complications
• Calling Your Health Care Provider
• Pictures & Images
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Review Date : 2/27/2003
Reviewed By : Jacqueline A. Hart, M.D., Department of Internal Medicine, Newton-Wellesley Hospital, Harvard University and Senior Medical Editor, A.D.A.M., Inc.
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