Geriatrics
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Pulmonary disease may set in motion a chain of events that ultimately leads to hypertrophy--or even failure--of the heart's right ventricle. The most common cause is chronic obstructive disease, which deprives the lungs of oxygen and produces pulmonary hypertension. But other disorders that raise pulmonary artery pressure also may be responsible. ⋯ Controlled-dose supplemental oxygen therapy is particularly effective, according to recent studies. Bronchospasm or bronchial infection super-imposed on the chronic lung condition may prove too much for the already strained right ventricle. Right ventricular failure calls for hospitalization and vigorous treatment, which may include mechanical ventilation, phlebotomy, antibiotics, steroids, digitalis, diuretics, and correction of electrolyte disturbances.