Pulmonary Vascular Resistance

\[PVR=((MPAP-PCWP)*80)/CO\]

Variables

PVRpulmonary vascular resistance (dyn·s/cm⁵)

MPAPmean pulmonary artery pressure (mmHg)

PCWPpulmonary capillary wedge pressure (mmHg)

COcardiac output (L/min)

Description

What is this formula?

Pulmonary Vascular Resistance (PVR) quantifies the resistance encountered by blood as it flows through the pulmonary circulation. It is a key parameter used to evaluate pulmonary vascular disease and right ventricular afterload.

When to use it

Use this formula in pulmonary hypertension assessment, right heart catheterization, intensive care, and evaluation of right ventricular function.

Example

Data:

MPAP = 25 mmHg

PCWP = 10 mmHg

CO = 5.0 L/min

Formula:

PVR = ((MPAP − PCWP) × 80) / CO

Substitution:

PVR = ((25 − 10) × 80) / 5.0

Result:

PVR = 240 dyn·s/cm⁵

Applications

- Pulmonary hypertension diagnosis

- Right heart catheterization

- Assessment of right ventricular afterload

- Critical care monitoring

- Pulmonary vascular disease evaluation

Note

Pulmonary Vascular Resistance is a derived hemodynamic parameter based on simplified flow-resistance relationships. While widely used in clinical practice, it does not fully represent the complex and dynamic behavior of the pulmonary vascular bed. Results should be interpreted within the broader clinical context.