Left Ventricular Stroke Work Index

What is this formula?

The Left Ventricular Stroke Work Index (LVSWI) estimates the amount of mechanical work performed by the left ventricle during each heartbeat, normalized to body surface area. It combines pressure generation and stroke volume into a single indicator of left ventricular performance.

When to use it

Use this formula in advanced hemodynamic monitoring, intensive care, cardiogenic shock assessment, and cardiac surgery. It is particularly useful for evaluating left ventricular contractile function.

Example

Data:

MAP = 90 mmHg

PCWP = 12 mmHg

SVI = 40 mL/beat/m²

Formula:

LVSWI = (MAP − PCWP) × SVI × 0.0136

Substitution:

LVSWI = (90 − 12) × 40 × 0.0136

Result:

LVSWI = 42.43 g·m/m²/beat

Applications

- Assessment of left ventricular performance

- Cardiogenic shock evaluation

- Critical care monitoring

- Cardiac surgery management

- Advanced hemodynamic studies