[Prevention and therapy of chronic cor pulmonale (author's transl)]

First prophylactic and therapeutic possibilities in cor pulmonale are shown on the basis of its pathogenesis. Our own results illustrate the effect of therapy of the underlying lung disease and of the concomitant respiratory insufficiency on the pulmonary arterial hypertension. The relationship between pulmonary artery pressure (PAp), arterial oxygen tension, forced expiratory volume of 1 second (FEV1%VC) and slow inspired viral capacity (VC) is analysed. In obstructive respiratory disorders the PAp rises when FEV1 falls below 40% of VC, in restrictive disorders when VC falls below 70% of predicted rate. 27 patients with chronic obstructive lung disease were treated with bronchodilator aerosols by intermittent positive pressure breathing (IPPB) during 2 years after a control period of 2 years: VC and FEV1 improved, the increase of total lung capacity and the deterioration of arterial blood gases came to a halt. The elevated PAp was always significantly reduced by oxygen therapy or IPPB or the combination of both. Finally, the rationale for avoiding physical stress in established cor pulmonale is illustrated: in healthy men PAp increases by less than 20% when cardiac output is doubled. In patients with cor pulmonale PAp rises to three times the initial value under the same conditions.