Enter the Mean Pulmonary Artery Pressure, Pulmonary Capillary Wedge Pressure, and Cardiac Output into the calculator to determine the Pulmonary Vascular Resistance. This calculator can also evaluate any of the variables given the others are known.
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)
To calculate the Pulmonary Vascular Resistance, subtract the Pulmonary Capillary Wedge Pressure from the Mean Pulmonary Artery Pressure. Divide the result by the Cardiac Output, then multiply the quotient by 80.
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·cm⁵ or Wood units.
How to Calculate Pulmonary Vascular Resistance?
The following steps outline how to calculate the Pulmonary Vascular Resistance (PVR).
- First, determine the Mean Pulmonary Artery Pressure (MPAP) (mmHg).
- Next, determine the Pulmonary Capillary Wedge Pressure (PCWP) (mmHg).
- Next, determine the Cardiac Output (CO) (L/min).
- Next, substitute the values into the formula: PVR = (MPAP – PCWP) / CO x 80.
- 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
