Cardiac Output Calculator (Fick Method)
Fick Principle
Calculate cardiac output using the Fick equation from oxygen consumption and arteriovenous oxygen difference.
mL/min
mL O₂/dL
mL O₂/dL
m²
Heart Rate × Stroke Volume
Calculate cardiac output from heart rate and stroke volume.
bpm
mL
m²
Formula
Fick: CO (L/min) = VO₂ (mL/min) / [(CaO₂ - CvO₂) × 10]. HR×SV: CO = Heart_Rate × Stroke_Volume / 1000. Cardiac Index = CO / BSA.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is cardiac output?
Cardiac output (CO) is the volume of blood the heart pumps per minute. It is calculated as heart rate × stroke volume. Normal resting CO is 4-8 L/min. CO is a key indicator of cardiac function and tissue perfusion.
What is the Fick principle?
The Fick principle states that cardiac output equals oxygen consumption (VO₂) divided by the arteriovenous oxygen difference. It is considered the gold standard for CO measurement and requires mixed venous blood sampling via a pulmonary artery catheter.
What is cardiac index?
Cardiac index (CI) normalizes cardiac output to body surface area (CI = CO / BSA). Normal CI is 2.5-4.0 L/min/m². CI below 2.2 indicates a low output state, and below 1.8 suggests cardiogenic shock.