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COR PULMONALE
Core Pull-mon-alley
CONTENTS
What is Cor Pulmonale
What babies are risk
What are the signs & symptoms
How is it treated
What can a parent do
WHAT IS COR PULMONALE
1. The heart has 4 chambers & 2 sides to the heart.
a. A Right and a Left upper chamber (compartment) called an atrium (a-tree-um)
b. A Right and a Left lower chamber (compartment) called a ventricle (ven-trickle)
Left Atrium
Right Atrium
Left Ventricle
Right Ventricle
Normal Heart
2. The Right side of the heart receives blood returning from the body and pumps the
blood to the lungs to remove carbon dioxide and pick up oxygen.
a. The pulmonary arteries carry the blood to the lungs.
3. The Left side of the heart receives blood returning from the lungs and pumps the
blood to body parts (e.g., arms, legs, hands, feet) and the body’s organs (e.g., liver,
kidneys, intestines) to provide them with oxygen and blood.
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4. Cor Pulmonale happens when the right side of the heart is unable to function properly
usually because of long-term high (increased) pressure in the right side of the heart
and the pulmonary arteries.
a. The right side of the heart usually pumps blood at a lower pressure
b. This long-term high (increased) pressure prevents the right side of the heart
and pulmonary arteries from pumping blood to the lungs
c. Cor Pulmonale is the result.
WHAT BABIES ARE AT RISK
1. Cor Pulmonale usually occurs in babies:
a. Born prematurely—usually less than or equal to 30 weeks’ gestation
b. Had a birthweight of less than 1000 grams/2 pounds
c. Have a breathing problem at birth and need oxygen given through nasal prongs, a
mask or an ET tube and ventilator
d. Have an infection at or shortly after birth
e. Chronic lung disease—also known as Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia or BPD
 The earlier the baby is born before his/her due date and the lower his/her
birthweight the greater the risk for BPD.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS
1. Symptoms may include but are not limited to:
a. Shortness of breath
b. Faster breathing
c. Distention or swelling of the neck veins
d. Cyanosis (bluish coloration of the skin)
e. Abnormal heart sounds
f. Edema (swelling) of the baby’s feet or ankles.
2. Cor Pulmonale is diagnosed through
a. Blood tests—This can tell the MD/NNP if the baby’s blood has enough oxygen
and if there is an infection.
b. Chest X-rays—An x-ray takes pictures of the structures/organs inside the chest
such as the heart and lungs. They can help the MD/NNP diagnose BPD, signs of
inflammation or infection in the lungs.
c. Echocardiogram (ECHO)—This test uses sound waves to create a “picture” of the
heart’s activity. It is used to eliminate heart defects or other reason that may
be causing your baby’s breathing problems.
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HOW IS IT TREATED
1. Most often, treatment for Cor Pulmonale is aimed at reducing further injury to the
lungs, heart and pulmonary arteries. Care may include:
a. Provide extra oxygen as needed
b. Maintain an IV to provide nutrition to help with the baby’s growth and
development
c. Continue to offer bottle or tube feeding
d. Allow rest periods so the baby can save their calories for growth and
development
e. Administer medications such as diuretics to help with the edema
f. Continue to monitor the baby for signs of inflammation of the lungs and/or
infection in the lungs or blood.
2. Overtime, most babies will get better; each baby is different so the time it takes
the baby to get better is different for each baby.
WHAT CAN A PARENT DO
1. An important part of the baby getting better is the parents’ love and attention.
a. Please continue to visit your baby
b. Keep up with your baby’s progress each time you visit or call.
2. We encourage you to talk and sing to your baby, gently touch them and hold them
close if tolerated by the baby. Talk with your baby’s nurse about this.
3. Please talk with the Neonatologist/NNP about your baby’s condition and what they
recommend.
a. Please feel free to ask questions.
4. After the baby is discharged home, parents can help by encouraging:
a. Healthy living habits (e.g., good nite sleep, limiting visitors, avoiding large
groups/gatherings, etc.)
b. Healthy eating habits and good nutrition
c. Avoiding cigarette smoke.
Reviewed/Revised: 09/11
06/13
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