\[CI=\frac{CO}{BSA}\]
Variables
CIcardiac index (L/min/m²)
COcardiac output (L/min)
BSAbody surface area (m²)
Description
What is this formula?
The Cardiac Index (CI) is a hemodynamic parameter that relates cardiac output to body surface area. It provides a standardized assessment of the heart's pumping performance independent of patient size.
When to use it
Use this formula in critical care, cardiology, anesthesiology, and hemodynamic monitoring to evaluate cardiac function and tissue perfusion. It is especially useful when comparing cardiac performance among patients of different body sizes.
Example
Data:
Cardiac Output (CO) = 5.6 L/min
Body Surface Area (BSA) = 1.8 m²
Formula:
CI = CO / BSA
Substitution:
CI = 5.6 / 1.8
Result:
CI = 3.11 L/min/m²
Applications
- Intensive care monitoring
- Shock assessment
- Heart failure evaluation
- Perioperative hemodynamic management
- Cardiac catheterization studies