Cor Pulmonaleaccording to TCM

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What is Cor Pulmonale?

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.

How does TCM view Cor Pulmonale?

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.

Causes of Cor Pulmonale According to TCM

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, cor pulmonale is often understood as a result of specific energetic imbalances such as Qi and Blood Stagnation or Cold-Phlegm in the Lungs. Qi And Blood Stagnation within the chest can manifest as difficulty in breathing, chest pain, and palpitations, directly impacting cardiac and pulmonary functions. This Stagnation restricts the vital flow of energy and nutrients needed for healthy heart and lung activity.

Similarly, the presence of Cold-Phlegm in the Lungs can lead to increased resistance in the pulmonary arteries, a factor that contributes to the development of cor pulmonale. This pattern typically results in symptoms like persistent coughing, a feeling of cold, and watery Phlegm, further exacerbating the strain on the heart.

TCM Herbal Formulas for Cor Pulmonale

Addressing the intricate patterns of Qi and Blood Stagnation and Cold-Phlegm in the Lungs requires targeted TCM therapies. Formulas that invigorate Blood and transform Phlegm are critical in managing the complex symptoms of cor pulmonale. For example, Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang is particularly beneficial for alleviating Blood Stagnation. This formula uses peach kernels (Tao Ren) to enhance Blood circulation, reducing the vascular resistance that burdens the Heart.

For treating Cold-Phlegm in the Lungs, Xuan Fu Hua Tang, which includes Inula flowers (Xuan Fu Hua), works to warm the lungs and dissolve Phlegm, easing the pulmonary pressure and improving respiratory efficiency. These targeted herbal treatments are integral to TCM’s approach, aiming not only to alleviate the symptoms but also to address the root causes contributing to cor pulmonale.

Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address cor pulmonale, organized by formula type.

  • By Formula Type
  • Formulas that invigorate blood and dispel blood stagnation
  • Formulas that tonify qi
  • Formulas that regulate blood
  • Formulas that warm and transform water and dampness
  • Formulas that nourish yin and tonify
  • Formulas that dispel wind-Damp
  • Formulas that purge heat accumulation
  • Formulas that clear wind-Cold

All "formulas that tonify qi" recommended for cor pulmonale

Formula Key herbs
Ren Shen Ge Jie San Tokay Geckos (Ge Jie), Ginseng (Ren Shen)
Sheng Mai San Ginseng (Ren Shen)

TCM Herbs for Cor Pulmonale

Explore below some TCM herbs used to address cor pulmonale, organized by herb category.

  • By Herb Category
  • Herbs that invigorate the blood
  • Tonic herbs for qi deficiency
  • Warm/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
  • Herbs that drain dampness
  • Warm herbs that transform phlegm and stop cough
  • Tonic herbs for yin deficiency
  • Tonic herbs for blood deficiency
  • Herbs that cool the blood
  • Tonic herbs for yang deficiency
  • Purgative herbs that drain downward

"Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency" recommended for cor pulmonale

Herb Formulas they belong to (if applicable)
Ginseng (Ren Shen) Ren Shen Ge Jie San | Sheng Mai San
Milkvetch Roots (Huang Qi) Bu Yang Huang Wu Tang

"Warm/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior" recommended for cor pulmonale

Herb Formulas they belong to (if applicable)
Cinnamon Twigs (Gui Zhi) Gui Zhi Shao Yao Zhi Mu Tang | Xiao Qing Long Tang
Ephedra (Ma Huang) Xiao Qing Long Tang