Cor pulmonale
Chronically low blood levels of oxygen may lead to pulmonary hypertension (high blood pressure in the lungs), and possibly to cor pulmonale. Cor pulmonale is also called right-sided heart failure, and is characterized by enlargement of the right ventricle. Treatment targets the underlying illness and may include supplemental oxygen, a low-salt diet or calcium channel blockers.
Review Date: 04/24/2009
Reviewed By: Allen J. Blaivas, DO, Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine
UMDNJ-NJMS, Attending Physician in the Division of Pulmonary,
Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Veterans Affairs,
VA New Jersey Health Care System, East Orange, NJ. Review provided
by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD,
MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
