What is a common risk associated with mechanical ventilation at the cardiovascular level?

Mechanical ventilation, particularly when using positive pressure, influences hemodynamics significantly. A common risk associated with mechanical ventilation at the cardiovascular level is decreased right ventricular (RV) preload. This occurs due to the effects of increased intrathoracic pressure, which can compromise venous return to the heart.

When positive pressure is applied during mechanical ventilation, it can decrease the pressure gradient for blood returning to the heart, reducing the amount of blood entering the RV during diastole. This reduction in preload can lead to decreased cardiac output and can affect the overall hemodynamic stability of a patient. Understanding this phenomenon is crucial for managing patients on mechanical ventilation, as it can have significant implications for their cardiovascular performance and the overall effectiveness of ventilation therapy.

In contrast, increased preload, increased systemic vascular resistance, and improved left ventricular (LV) performance typically do not result from mechanical ventilation in patients experiencing these hemodynamic changes, making them less relevant in this context.