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What are the common etiologies of cor pulmonale?

User Azalia
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Final answer:

The common etiologies of cor pulmonale include chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pulmonary edema resulting from heart failure, and pulmonary hypertension.

Step-by-step explanation:

The common etiologies of cor pulmonale include:

  1. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): COPD is a lung disease characterized by chronic poor airflow, which causes shortness of breath and a productive cough. Smoking is the most common cause of COPD, leading to a breakdown of connective tissues in the lungs.
  2. Pulmonary edema resulting from heart failure: This occurs when the left ventricle of the heart is unable to pump sufficient blood into the systemic circulation. The increased hydrostatic pressure within pulmonary capillaries causes fluid to be pushed out of them and into lung tissues.
  3. Pulmonary hypertension: Pulmonary hypertension is high blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs. It can be caused by various factors, including chronic lung diseases, such as pulmonary fibrosis or sleep apnea.

User Sherlet
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Final answer:

The common etiologies of cor pulmonale include pulmonary hypertension, lung diseases, pulmonary embolism, and chronic respiratory conditions.

Step-by-step explanation:

The common etiologies of cor pulmonale include:

  • Pulmonary hypertension: This occurs as a result of increased blood pressure in the pulmonary arteries, leading to the enlargement and thickening of the right ventricle.
  • Lung diseases: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cystic fibrosis, and pulmonary fibrosis can cause cor pulmonale.
  • Pulmonary embolism: A blood clot that blocks the pulmonary artery can cause increased pressure in the right ventricle and lead to cor pulmonale.
  • Chronic respiratory conditions: Conditions like sleep apnea and obesity hypoventilation syndrome can result in cor pulmonale due to chronic hypoxia and increased resistance in the pulmonary circulation.

User Bono
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