[Sequels of lung diseases on cardiac function]

The most severe cardiac sequel of lung diseases is the load of the right ventricle due to pulmonary hypertension with the development of a cor pulmonale. This is characterized by hypertrophy and/or dilatation of the right ventricle because of a primary impairment of lung function and/or lung structure. The most important pathomechanisms of the development of pulmonary hypertension are vessel obliteration, mechanical lesions, primary vascular or extravascular inflammation and hypoxic vasoconstriction. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is one of the most important reasons of chronic cor pulmonale. A further very common reason is obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS), especially, if combined with a COPD. In this case prevalence of cor pulmonale rises up to 80%. The development of a chronic cor pulmonale is the most striking negative prognostic factor for these patients. Just 30% of COPD patients with cor pulmonale survive longer than 5 years. Only the early detection of respiratory disturbances, which potentially might lead to cor pulmonale, and their consequent therapy are able to improve the patients' prognosis.