Low Blood Pressure Causes in Cor Pulmonale Patients

Chronic cor pulmonale often leads to hypotension, although in cases of acute pulmonary heart disease, blood pressure may rise to varying degrees. The primary reason chronic pulmonary heart disease results in low blood pressure is mainly due to long-term obstructive diseases of the bronchi and lungs. Conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), bronchial asthma, bronchiectasis, tuberculosis, and interstitial lung disease can lead to chronic oxygen deficiency and elevated carbon dioxide levels, ultimately causing hypercapnia.

How Chronic Lung Diseases Contribute to Hypotension

When the partial pressure of oxygen drops too low and the partial pressure of carbon dioxide rises, it triggers a cascade of physiological changes. These changes, mediated by various biochemical factors and ion imbalances, cause pulmonary vasoconstriction, reduced pulmonary vascular bed, and increased pulmonary vascular resistance. As a result, pulmonary hypertension develops, which in turn contributes to systemic hypotension.

Other Contributing Factors to Pulmonary Hypertension and Low Blood Pressure

In addition to chronic obstructive conditions, other vascular disorders such as recurrent or widespread nodular pulmonary arteritis and multiple small pulmonary artery embolisms can also lead to pulmonary hypertension. These conditions place additional strain on the right side of the heart, contributing to the development of cor pulmonale and associated low blood pressure.