Cor pulmonale

In life, there are no longer a few elderly people suffering from cor pulmonale. Especially in recent years, with the accelerated aging process in China, the incidence of cor pulmonale in our country has steadily increased, especially in the group over 70 years old, which seriously threatens the normal life of the aging population in our country. Therefore, it is necessary for everyone to understand cor pulmonale and achieve the goal of early prevention and treatment of the disease.

Pulmonary heart disease is a type of heart disease, which is most common in the elderly population. Chronic bronchitis with obstructive pulmonary emphysema is the most common type. The disease progresses suddenly, so when taking preventive measures, it is best for everyone to understand the symptoms of pulmonary heart disease.

1. Compensatory stage of lung and heart function (including remission stage)

This stage is mainly characterized by chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Chronic cough, sputum, shortness of breath, palpitations after activity, dyspnea, fatigue and decreased work endurance. Physical examination may show obvious signs of emphysema, weakened breath sounds on auscultation, occasional dry and wet rales, and mild edema in the lower limbs, which is obvious in the afternoon and disappears the next morning. The border of cardiac dullness is often difficult to percuss due to emphysema. Heart sounds are distant, but there may be a hyperactive second heart sound in the pulmonary valve area, suggesting pulmonary hypertension. The presence of a systolic murmur in the tricuspid valve area or cardiac pulsation under the xiphoid process often indicates right heart hypertrophy and enlargement. In some cases, emphysema increases the intrapleural pressure, obstructing the vena cava return, and the jugular vein may be seen to be full. As the diaphragm descends, the upper and lower edges of the liver move downward significantly.

2. Decompensated lung and heart function (including acute exacerbation)

The main clinical manifestations of this stage are respiratory failure, with or without heart failure. The symptoms include headache, head swelling, irritability, speech disorders, hallucinations, mental confusion, convulsions or tremors. In severe cases, the patient may fall into coma or even die.

The above is the knowledge introduction about cor pulmonale. Patients must be vigilant. If any suspected symptoms occur, they should seek medical attention immediately. Regarding the examination of cor pulmonale, we can obtain accurate results from X-ray examination, electrocardiogram, vectorcardiogram, echocardiogram, pulmonary impedance blood flow graph and its differential graph, blood gas analysis, and blood tests.