Pulmonary hypertension and chronic cor pulmonale in COPD

Int J Chron Obstruct Pulmon Dis. 2007;2(3):273-82.

Abstract

Hypoxia and endothelial dysfunction play a central role in the development of pulmonary hypertension. Cor pulmonale is a maladaptive response to pulmonary hypertension. The presence of peripheral edema in cor pulmonale is almost invariably associated with hypercapnia. Correction of abnormalities of gas exchange and ventilation can ameliorate pulmonary hypertension and improve survival. This review focuses on new information about the pathogenesis and treatment of pulmonary hypertension in COPD including information derived from lung volume reduction surgery, the role of brain natriuretic peptide, exhaled nitric oxide for diagnosis, and the treatment of cor pulmonale with recently available specific pulmonary vasodilators.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Chronic Disease
  • Comorbidity
  • Humans
  • Hypertension, Pulmonary / diagnosis
  • Hypertension, Pulmonary / drug therapy*
  • Hypertension, Pulmonary / physiopathology*
  • Natriuretic Agents
  • Natriuretic Peptide, Brain
  • Nitric Oxide
  • Phlebotomy
  • Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive*
  • Pulmonary Heart Disease / diagnosis
  • Pulmonary Heart Disease / drug therapy
  • Pulmonary Heart Disease / physiopathology*

Substances

  • Natriuretic Agents
  • Natriuretic Peptide, Brain
  • Nitric Oxide