Cardiac Output Calculator

What is Cardiac Output?

Cardiac output (CO) is the volume of blood pumped by the heart per minute. It's a crucial measurement of heart function and circulatory system health, calculated by multiplying stroke volume (SV) by heart rate (HR).

How to Use the Cardiac Output Calculator

1. Enter the Stroke Volume (SV) in milliliters per beat
2. Input the Heart Rate (HR) in beats per minute
3. Click "Calculate" to see the results

Understanding the Formula

The cardiac output formula is:

CO (L/min) = SV (mL/beat) × HR (beats/min) ÷ 1000

Normal Cardiac Output Values

• Normal resting CO: 4-8 L/min
• Normal Cardiac Index: 2.5-4.0 L/min/m²
• Typical Stroke Volume: 60-100 mL/beat
• Normal Heart Rate: 60-100 beats/min

Clinical Applications

• Assessment of heart function
• Monitoring cardiac health
• Evaluation of cardiovascular medications
• Surgical planning and monitoring
• Critical care management

Factors Affecting Cardiac Output

• Physical activity level
• Body position
• Blood volume
• Age and gender
• Medical conditions
• Medications

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a normal cardiac output?

A normal cardiac output at rest typically ranges from 4 to 8 liters per minute in adults. However, this can vary based on factors such as age, body size, and physical condition.

How is cardiac output measured clinically?

Cardiac output can be measured through various methods including thermodilution, Fick principle, echocardiography, and other non-invasive techniques. This calculator provides an estimate based on stroke volume and heart rate.

When should cardiac output be measured?

Cardiac output measurement is important in various clinical scenarios including heart failure assessment, shock management, fluid therapy guidance, and monitoring of critically ill patients.