What Is Obstructive Shock?

Extracardiac obstructive shock refers to shock caused by obstruction of blood flow in the cardiovascular circuit. It is characterized by abnormal diastolic filling and excessive afterload. Pericardial tamponade and restrictive cardiomyopathy directly affect the right ventricular filling during diastole. Tension pneumothorax and intrathoracic tumors indirectly affect right ventricular filling by blocking venous return. Large-area pulmonary embolism, non-embolic acute pulmonary hypertension, aortic dissection, etc., lead to increased ventricular afterload and shock. Obstructive shock is a rare type of shock, but its hemodynamic changes are rapid and develop rapidly. If the obstruction is not identified and removed in time, patients may experience respiratory or cardiac arrest.