Abstract
Cor pulmonale is hypertrophy/dilatation of the right ventricle as a response to pulmonary hypertension as a consequence of chronic pulmonary diseases, pulmonary vessels and chest wall disorders. Differential diagnostics of pulmonary hypertension is broad.
Patient´s history, physical examination, basic laboratory findings, imaging methods and functional tests are the cornerstone in pulmonary hypertension diagnostics. Modification of the main pathophysiological mechanisms is the most important therapeutic intervention.
The treatment strategy relies on the etiology of pulmonary hypertension and cor pulmonale. Calcium channel blockers (only in few cases), anticoagulants, oxygenotherapy, diuretics and inotropics (in some cases) belong to the conventional therapy.
Prostacyclin derivates, phosphodiesterase inhibitors, endothelin receptor blockers belong to the specific therapy. Severe prognosis may be influenced by well-timed diagnosis and precise management of such patients.