Cor pulmonale and pulmonary hypertension

Abstract

Cor pulmonale is a particular condition secondary to lung dysfunction and is often not well investigated. This disease is a characteristic condition of some COPD patients and it can become an important component of their status. Because of the complex geometry of the right ventricle, echocardiographic measurements of the right ventricle are not simple, and novel techniques such as tissue Doppler imaging, strain, and strain rate can help the echocardiographer to evaluate better right ventricular function.