Florida State Paramedic Practice Exam

What condition is defined as right-sided heart failure secondary to chronic lung disease?

1. Cor Pulmonale

2. Congestive Heart Failure

3. Hypoxic Respiratory Failure

4. Pulmonary Edema

The correct answer is: Cor Pulmonale

Cor Pulmonale is defined as right-sided heart failure that occurs as a direct result of chronic lung diseases. In this condition, the heart, particularly the right ventricle, faces increased workload due to elevated pressures in the pulmonary circulation caused by long-standing respiratory issues such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or pulmonary hypertension. Over time, this increased workload leads to hypertrophy of the right ventricle and eventually, heart failure. Understanding this differentiation is critical in the context of treating patients with chronic lung conditions, as managing their respiratory issues may alleviate some of the strain on the heart and improve overall outcomes. The primary hallmark of Cor Pulmonale is the right-sided heart failure that is specifically triggered by consequences of lung pathology rather than other systemic factors or left-sided heart issues.