2. It is the failure of the right side of the heart
caused by prolonged high blood pressure in the
pulmonary artery and right ventricle of the
heart.
Pulmonary hypertension is usually a pre-
existing condition in the individual with cor
pulmonale.
It is also known as right side heart failure.
3. develops in response to acute or chronic
changes in the pulmonary vasculature
Changes that are sufficient to cause
pulmonary hypertension
Once patients with chronic pulmonary or
pulmonary vascular disease develop cor-
pulmonale, their prognosis worsens
4.
5. Several pathophysiologic mechanisms can lead to pulmonary
hypertension and subsequently to cor- pulmonale.
These pathogenic conditions include,
1. Pulmonary vasoconstriction due to alveolar hypoxia.
2. Anatomic compromise of the pulmonary vascular bed
secondary to lung disorder such as emphysema and
pulmonary thromboembolism.
3. Increased blood viscosity in case of sickle cell anemia.
4. Pulmonary hypertension
7. Dyspnea, the most common symptom:
usually the result of the increased work of
breathing secondary to changes in elastic
recoil of the lung (fibrosing lung diseases) or
altered respiratory mechanics
Orthopnea and nocturnal dyspnea are
rare symptoms of right HF
reflect the increased work of breathing in
the supine position that results from
compromised excursion of the diaphragm
8. Tussive or effort-related syncope
because of the inability of the RV to deliver blood
adequately to the left side of the heart
Abdominal pain and ascites
Lower extremity edema
Shortness of breath
wheezing
9. tachypnea
elevated jugular venous pressures
hepatomegaly
lower-extremity edema
Cyanosis is a late finding
10. Chronic wet cough
Chest discomfort
Bluish discoloration of skin
Distention of neck veins
Enlargement of liver
11. History collection
Physical examination
ECG ( prominent R wave and inverted T wave)
Chest X Ray
– enlargement of the main pulmonary artery and the
descending right pulmonary artery andRt ventricular
hypertrophy
13. Doppler echocardiography
assess pulmonary artery pressures
MRI scan
assessing RV structure and function, particularly
in patients who are difficult to image with
echocardiography because of severe lung disease
14. – Adequate oxygenation (oxygen saturation 90–92%) will
also decrease pulmonary vascular resistance and reduce
the demands on the RV.
17. Instruct the patient to take all medicines on
prescribed time.
Encourage to use low sodium diet
Instruct to drink more water
Instruct the patient to maintain proper body weight
Teach the patient to balance activity and rest
Instruct the patient to avoid vigorous activities and
exercises
18. Encourage to perform stress reduction
activities.
Teach about breathing and coughing exercise
Suggest the family members to learn about
CPR.
Check the oxygen saturation level inbetween
Provide nebulization and chest physiotherapy.
Maintain proper blood pressure
Obtain the lipid profile frequently
Provide psychological support to the patient
and relatives.
19. Decreased cardiac output related to
restricted cardiac muscle contractility as
evidenced by echocardiographic finding
Impaired gas exchange related to expiratory
airflow obstruction as evidenced by
decreased oxygen saturation levels
20. Impaired tissue perfusion related to decreased
cardiac contractility and expiratory airflow
obstruction as evidenced by increased capillary
refilling time >3 seconds
Activity intolerance related to decreased cardiac
activity and laboured respirations as evidenced
by difficulty in performing activities of daily
living
21. Fatigue related to decreased cardiac
activity and laboured respirations as
evidenced by difficulty in performing
activities of daily living
Anxiety related to breathlessness as
evidenced by patient`s verbalization and
facial expressions
22. Imbalanced nutrition :less than body
requirement related to breathlessness as
evidenced by weight loss
Disturbed sleep pattern related to
shortness of breath as evidenced by
presence of dark circles around the eyes.