Cor pulmonale can lead to which of the following?

• A. Polycythemia
• B. Anemia
• C. Leukocytosis
• D. Thrombocytopenia

Answer: (A)

Cor pulmonale refers to the alteration in structure and function of the right ventricle of the heart due to chronic pulmonary hypertension, which often arises from chronic respiratory disorders such as COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) or other conditions that affect the lungs. When the right ventricle is tasked with pumping blood against the increased pressure in the pulmonary arteries, it can lead to right ventricular hypertrophy and eventual failure.

One of the compensatory mechanisms the body employs in response to chronic hypoxemia (low oxygen levels in the blood) associated with respiratory diseases is the production of more red blood cells. This process occurs in the bone marrow and is stimulated by erythropoietin, a hormone produced by the kidneys in response to low oxygen levels. The increase in red blood cells is aimed at improving oxygen delivery to tissues. This condition is known as secondary polycythemia.

Therefore, the association between cor pulmonale and polycythemia arises from the chronic lung disease leading to persistent low oxygen levels, which prompts the body to increase the production of red blood cells to compensate for this deficiency. This increased red blood cell mass can contribute to further complications, such as increased blood viscosity, which may exacerbate the right heart strain.

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