Cor Pulmonale from Undiagnosed High Blood Pressure: Doctor and Hospital Liability

Cor pulmonale, also known as pulmonary heart disease, is a condition brought on by long-term high blood pressure in both the pulmonary arteries and right ventricle of the heart. In a normal non-hypertensive heart, the left side of the organ pumps blood to the body, producing a higher blood pressure than the right side, which pumps blood through the lungs under a lower pressure. However, certain medical conditions can lead to prolonged high blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs; this is called pulmonary hypertension. It can put a strain on the right side of the heart, causing the right ventricle to have to work against abnormally high pressure, ultimately leading to cor pulmonale.

Proper Diagnosis Procedure

Because symptoms of the underlying lung disorder are generally similar to those associated with cor pulmonale, it is necessary for a physician to first determine the underlying lung disorder and then look for the specific signs of cor pulmonale. Generally, a patient suffering with pulmonary heart disease will report instances of breathlessness, chest pain, cough, chronic fatigue and maybe even swelling in the lower extremities (edema). These result from low oxygenation of the blood. A patient may also exhibit cyanosis, which is a bluish discoloration of the fingertips, an abnormally loud heart sound and distended neck veins.

Exams, X-Rays, MRI and Other Important Tests

A proper examination to determine cor pulmonale will include taking chest X-rays, MRI scans, echocardiograms, electrocardiograms and additional tests that measure the blood's oxygen and carbon dioxide levels. A physician will order breathing tests to determine cases of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or other restrictive lung diseases. A lung scan may determine whether the cor pulmonale is due to a lung embolism. The echocardiogram will help assess the severity of the cor pulmonale condition.

Treatment

To treat cor pulmonale, initial focus should be directed at the underlying illness causing the pulmonary problems. In the interim, providing supplemental oxygen can often relieve the immediate symptoms and increase the patient's stamina.

Improper Diagnosis

An improper diagnosis of cor pulmonale often occurs when symptoms are missed or where tests are delayed or misread. Misdiagnosis can also occur in cases where there is faulty equipment.

If the underlying condition is missed or improperly diagnosed, treatment for both the initial condition and the accompanying cor pulmonale can be delayed or improperly treated. An improper diagnosis of cor pulmonale can lead to severe complications in a patient, including chronic shortness of breath, severe fluid retention, shock and even death.

There may be instances where the elevated artery pressure has no apparent cause. Known as primary pulmonary hypertension (PPH), it is rare and harder to diagnose. Although there is no known cure, PPH can be treated sufficiently once diagnosed.

There are many medications available to treat cor pulmonale. These include calcium channel blockers that can be used in early cases of the condition as well as anticoagulants to thin the blood that may obstruct flow in the arteries. Calcium blockers are particularly useful in cases of PPH as well.

In extreme cases, surgery may be necessary to reverse a heart defect or replace ill-functioning lungs. Delays in diagnosis in these cases can be life threatening.

Patient Damages and Legal Liability

If a physician does not properly diagnose cor pulmonale or its underlying condition and the patient suffers as a result, that patient has the right to recover damages. Damages may cover actual economic losses such as medical and rehabilitative costs, as well as lost wages. Damages can include non-economic compensation such as pain and suffering. In the case of a patient's death, the surviving family may have a wrongful death cause of action. Under the theory of vicarious liability, not only the treating physician but the employing hospital may be liable to the patient.

Talk to an Attorney

If you or a family member has suffered injury because of the misdiagnosis of cor pulmonale, you may have a case to recover damages. Talk with an experienced medical malpractice attorney to discuss your case.