Final answer:
Blue bloaters, a term used for individuals with COPD and chronic bronchitis, do exhibit cor pulmonale, which is a condition where the RV struggles to pump blood through the lungs. Cor pulmonale often leads to symptoms of right heart failure. This condition, while presenting with cyanosis similar to that seen in blue babies, has a different etiology centered around chronic lung disease rather than congenital heart defects.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term 'blue bloaters' refers to individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who commonly present with chronic bronchitis. They may experience cor pulmonale, which is right ventricular (RV) dysfunction or failure secondary to pulmonary disease. In such cases, the right side of the heart has to work harder to pump blood through the lungs due to increased resistance, which leads to hypertrophy and potential RV failure over time. The symptoms of cor pulmonale can include noticeable signs of right heart failure, such as peripheral edema and distended neck veins.
Interestingly, the term you've used, 'blue bloaters,' is somewhat analogous to the term 'blue baby,' which describes a condition with differing etiology, namely congenital heart defects like tetralogy of Fallot and patent foramen ovale. These defects can result in cyanosis, presenting a blue discoloration due to mixed or poorly oxygenated blood. However, while 'blue baby' pertains to congenital heart conditions, 'blue bloaters' describes a subset of patients with chronic pulmonary issues leading to cor pulmonale. Both conditions involve cyanosis but are different in their underlying causes and pathways.