Cor Pulmonale in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Understanding different cor pulmonale patterns according to TCM theory
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Condition Categories
Cor pulmonale, or pulmonary heart disease, is a condition where the right side of the heart fails due to increased pressure in the pulmonary arteries, often stemming from chronic respiratory disorders. This right ventricular failure is primarily caused by high blood pressure in the lungs from long-standing lung disease. Common underlying conditions include chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pulmonary fibrosis, and severe, chronic pulmonary arterial hypertension. These diseases lead to a stressed right ventricle, which must work harder to pump blood through narrowed or obstructed pulmonary arteries.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) views cor pulmonale through the lens of energetic imbalances and disturbances in organ functions. Unlike Western medicine, which primarily focuses on the heart and lungs' physical pathologies, TCM considers symptoms of cor pulmonale as a manifestation of underlying imbalances such as Qi Stagnation, Blood Stasis, and organ dysfunction.
TCM emphasizes that effective treatment hinges on identifying these disharmonies through a holistic assessment of the patient's health and lifestyle. Addressing these patterns through acupuncture, herbal medicine, and lifestyle adjustments is crucial to restoring balance and improving heart and lung function.
Herbal Formulas for Cor Pulmonale
Traditional Chinese Medicine formulas used to address cor pulmonale