This lesson explores Cor Pulmonale, a condition where the right side of the heart fails due to underlying lung disease or pulmonary hypertension. Based on Harrison’s Principles of Internal Medicine, we break down the key concepts, including etiology, pathophysiological changes, clinical features, and the diagnostic workup.

You’ll learn how chronic lung disorders like COPD, interstitial lung disease, or sleep apnea can overload the right ventricle, leading to functional and structural deterioration of the heart. We also examine symptoms, key signs on physical examination, and important diagnostic tools such as chest X-rays, ECG, echocardiography, and blood gas analysis.