Cor+Pulmonale

Western Diagnosis -- RV enlargement secondary to lung disease -- produces pulmonary arterial hypertension

Etiology
1. COPD 2. pulmonary embolism

Pathophysiology
1. alterations in pulmonary circulation lead to pulmonary arterial hypertension which creates an increased load on RV emptying

Signs and Symptoms
1. suspect in anyone with COPD 2. exertional dyspnea or exertional syncope 3. angina

Testing
1. chest x-ray 2. ECG

Treatment
1. tx lung disease and heat failure