The cause of cor pulmonale

Written by Li Tao
Pulmonology
Updated on September 01, 2024
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Cor pulmonale, also known as pulmonary heart disease, refers to the increased pulmonary vascular resistance caused by pathological changes in the bronchi, lung tissue, thorax, or pulmonary vessels, leading to pulmonary arterial hypertension and subsequent structural and functional changes in the right ventricle. This condition is clinically referred to as cor pulmonale. The causes of cor pulmonale can be divided into three main categories: The first category is diseases of the bronchi and lungs, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which accounts for approximately 80%-90% of cases. Other causes include bronchial asthma, bronchiectasis, severe pulmonary tuberculosis, interstitial pneumonia, and more. The second category involves diseases related to disorders of thoracic cage movement, such as various thoracic deformities, kyphoscoliosis, spinal tuberculosis, arthritis leading to extensive pleural adhesions, and deformities caused by thoracic plastic surgery. The third category includes pulmonary vascular diseases, such as pulmonary arterial hypertension, pulmonary thromboembolism, and other conditions leading to narrowing or blockage of pulmonary arteries, all of which can progress to cor pulmonale.

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Can heart disease be inherited?

Whether heart disease is hereditary depends on the specific type of heart disease. Some heart conditions are hereditary diseases, such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, which is an autosomal dominant inherited disease and can be inherited. Some heart diseases are related to genetics, such as coronary heart disease and dilated cardiomyopathy. These genetically related diseases significantly increase the risk of their offspring developing these conditions, but it does not necessarily mean that they will develop the disease, as environmental factors also play a crucial role. Of course, some heart diseases are not genetic, such as most congenital heart diseases, heart valve diseases, infective endocarditis, and myocarditis, which are not related to genetics.

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Which place is the best for a heart disease massage?

Premature cardiac contractions can occur in normal individuals. For younger people, fewer than 3 contractions per minute generally poses no issue, whereas for older individuals, fewer than 5 per minute is considered normal. However, it is recommended to conduct a 24-hour Holter monitor test. If this test shows more than 10,000 occurrences in 24 hours, it is advisable to consult a specialist to determine if medication or hospital treatment, such as radiofrequency ablation, is needed. Additionally, it is crucial to investigate the causes of premature cardiac contractions. If serious diseases are ruled out, it may be helpful to massage corresponding acupoints. Generally, massaging acupoints like the Neiguan and Hegu, which are associated with the kidney and heart meridians, is suggested. Massage of the Fuxi acupoint is also recommended; located at the front of the thigh, it is easier to massage when seated with the knee bent at a 90-degree angle.

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What items are checked for heart disease?

Heart disease can be screened for arrhythmias or myocardial ischemia through an electrocardiogram (ECG) or a Holter monitor. One can also examine the heart using echocardiography to check if the atria or ventricles are enlarged, the condition of the heart valves whether they are narrowed or regurgitating, the thickness of the myocardium, the movement of the myocardium, the ejection fraction of the heart, and can also measure pulmonary artery pressure, among other parameters. If coronary heart disease is considered, or not ruled out, coronary angiography or coronary CT can be performed. Blood tests can be done to examine cardiac enzymes, troponins, etc. There are other diagnostic tests available for heart disease, and which specific tests to conduct should be decided by a specialist based on the patient's condition.

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Is heart pain always a heart disease?

Heart pain is not necessarily caused by heart disease; there are many reasons for heart pain, and these vary with the age of onset. For instance, in middle-aged and older people, attention should be paid to the possibility of angina or myocardial infarction. Symptoms of angina often last for a few minutes and can be relieved by rest or taking nitroglycerin tablets. Myocardial infarction, on the other hand, often presents with intense heart pain located at the sternum, which persists without relief. In younger individuals, it is important to consider lung-related diseases causing pain, such as pleurisy or pneumothorax, where pain is often related to breathing. It is necessary to visit a hospital for proper examinations, including an electrocardiogram, blood tests for cardiac enzymes and troponin, and a CT scan of the lungs to determine the cause of the pain based on these tests.

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Can people with heart disease drink alcohol?

Patients with heart disease should not drink alcohol, especially those with severe heart conditions, including heart failure and arrhythmias. Drinking alcohol can excite the sympathetic nervous system, increase heart rate, enhance myocardial oxygen consumption, increase cardiac burden, and worsen arrhythmias and heart failure. Additionally, patients with organic heart disease who regularly require medication should avoid alcohol. Alcohol can chemically interact with certain medications or reduce their effectiveness, potentially harming the body.