This type of heart disease, one of many, sometimes develops as a result of a chronic lung infection, such as emphysema, asthma, and bronchiectasis, or a combination of these infections. Often there is also an association between pulmonary heart disease and silicosis, anthracosis. Boeck's sarcoid, or any other condition producing scarring of lungs. The disease develops when there is an interruption in the normal circulatory flow between the heart and lungs, which creates a strain that eventually causes the right side of the heart to become enlarged.
An acute form of pulmonary heart disease can occur in the presence of a blood clot (pulmonary embolism) large enough to interfere seriously with circulation of blood in the lungs.
Less frequently, rapidly spreading lung cancer can cause this disease. Any other rapidly progressing infection of the lungs, such as tuberculosis and certain bacterial and fungus infections, can also pay a role.
Symptoms. The patient is short of breath, and coughs. The liver and heart become enlarged. The abdomen and feet swell and the fingers become clubbed. In addition, some patients complain of pain in the middle of the chest. On other occasions, when a patient exerts himself, there is dizziness and weakness.
Complications. Congestive heart failure is the main complication of this disease, and it is serious because it responds poorly to treatment. In this state, the right side of the heart enlarges, trying to overcome resistance to normal blood flow between the heart and lungs. Heart failure follows.
Prevention. Whatever is causing the interruption of normal circulatory flow between the heart and lungs must be dealt with first. Infections must be treated before they get beyond control.
In the case of heart failure, there is still hope for the patient if he is treated in accordance with the specific instructions of the physician.
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