THE CLINICAL MANIFESTATIONS OF THE VARIOUS TYPES OF RIGHT SIDED HEART FAILURE (COR PULMONALE)

Abstract

Cor pulmonale refers to the heart subject to strain (and the resulting failure of the right heart) from obstruction or increased resistance to the blood flow within the pulmonary circuit. It may be primary or secondary. The latter results from the pulmonary congestion following a failing left ventricle. Primary cor pulmonale may be acute, subacute, or chronic. In general, primary cor pulmonale is less readily influenced by therapy than is the secondary variety because the lesions producing primary cor pulmonale are generally progressive and irreversible.