How does the decreased V/Q ratio develop?
The ventilation/perfusion ratio (V/Q ratio) is a respiratory physiology ratio used to assess the efficiency and adequacy of two variables' matching:
- V- Ventilation refers to the air that reaches the alveoli.
- Q - perfusion – the blood that passes through the capillaries and reaches the alveoli.
As a result, the V/Q ratio can be defined as the ratio of air reaching the alveoli per minute to blood reaching the alveoli per minute—a ratio of volumetric flow rates. The fundamental determinants of blood oxygen (O2) and carbon dioxide (CO2) concentrations are these two variables, V and Q.
Air and blood flow in the lungs are commonly affected by lung disorders. V/Q mismatch occurs when illness in the lungs causes an imbalance in air and blood flow. The bronchi (airways) branch into the lungs, finally reaching the alveoli (air sacs), which are surrounded by a network of capillaries. The capillaries transport oxygen to the alveoli, while the alveoli transport carbon dioxide waste. A lower V/Q ratio is caused by diseases that obstruct airflow in the bronchi and alveoli.
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