Calculate pulmonary vascular resistance, resistance index, and pulmonary pressure gradients from MPAP, PCWP, cardiac output, or CI.

Use measured catheterization values with consistent timing and units. Educational calculation only; results do not diagnose a condition or recommend treatment. Reverse solvers are algebraic estimates, not measurements.

Related Calculators

Pulmonary Vascular Resistance Formula

The following formula is used to calculate the Pulmonary Vascular Resistance (PVR).

PVR = (MPAP - PCWP) / CO x 80

Variables:

  • PVR is the Pulmonary Vascular Resistance (dynes·s/cm^5)
  • MPAP is the Mean Pulmonary Artery Pressure (mmHg)
  • PCWP is the Pulmonary Capillary Wedge Pressure (mmHg)
  • CO is the Cardiac Output (L/min)

For PVR in Wood units, subtract wedge pressure from mean pulmonary artery pressure and divide by cardiac output. Multiply WU by the conventional rounded factor 80 for dyn·s·cm⁻⁵. PVRI divides the pressure gradient by cardiac index; CI = CO / BSA and PVRI = PVR × BSA. Use measured catheterization values; this calculator does not provide a diagnosis or treatment recommendation.

What is Pulmonary Vascular Resistance?

Pulmonary Vascular Resistance (PVR) is a measure of the resistance or opposition to blood flow that the lungs provide in the circulatory system. It is an important factor in understanding how effectively the heart is pumping blood through the lungs. High PVR, often caused by diseases such as pulmonary hypertension, can put strain on the right side of the heart and lead to heart failure. It is typically measured in units of dyn·s·cm⁻⁵ or Wood units.

How to Calculate Pulmonary Vascular Resistance?

The following steps outline how to calculate the Pulmonary Vascular Resistance (PVR).

  1. First, determine the Mean Pulmonary Artery Pressure (MPAP) (mmHg).
  2. Next, determine the Pulmonary Capillary Wedge Pressure (PCWP) (mmHg).
  3. Next, determine the Cardiac Output (CO) (L/min).
  4. Next, substitute the values into the formula: PVR = (MPAP - PCWP) / CO x 80.
  5. Finally, calculate the Pulmonary Vascular Resistance (PVR) in dynes·s/cm^5.

Example Problem:

Use the following variables as an example problem to test your knowledge.

Mean Pulmonary Artery Pressure (MPAP) = 25 mmHg

Pulmonary Capillary Wedge Pressure (PCWP) = 10 mmHg

Cardiac Output (CO) = 5 L/min. PVR = (25 − 10) / 5 = 3 WU, or 240 dyn·s·cm⁻⁵.