Obstructive shock

Obstructive shock arises due to physical barriers that prevent normal blood circulation despite a healthy heart. Common causes include:

• Cardiac Tamponade: Fluid buildup in the pericardium compresses the heart.
• Tension Pneumothorax: Air trapped in the chest compresses the lungs and heart.
• Massive Pulmonary Embolism (PE): A large blood clot in the lungs blocks blood flow to the heart.

These conditions lead to reduced cardiac output, hypotension, and organ failure. Immediate interventions like pericardiocentesis (for tamponade), chest decompression (for pneumothorax), and thrombolysis or embolectomy (for PE) are required.