#296 Physiology of V/Q Mismatch Explained: Ventilation, Perfusion, High vs Low VQ, and Shunt

WhiteBoard Medicine - Emergency And Critical Care · Jul 24, 2026 · 18m

V/Q mismatch is one of the most important physiologic mechanisms of hypoxemia and respiratory failure. In this episode, we review the physiology of ventilation-perfusion matching, high V/Q states, low V/Q states, shunt physiology, dead space ventilation, oxygen response, and the clinical relevance of V/Q mismatch. Topics covered include: • What V/Q mismatch means • Ventilation and perfusion basics • Normal V/Q relationships in the lung • Low V/Q physiology • High V/Q physiology • Shunt physiology • Dead space ventilation • How V/Q mismatch causes hypoxemia • Response to supplemental oxygen •…