Any condition that leads to pulmonary hypertension, or high blood pressure within the blood vessels of the lungs, can put a strain on the right side of the heart. When the right side of the heart fails or is unable to work against the abnormally high pressures within the lungs, this is called cor pulmonale.
Cor Pulmonale
By Deborah Leader, RN, About.com Guide
Updated September 05, 2008
About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board
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