Explain the following hemodynamic terms: Cardiac Output (CO), Cardiac Index (CI), Central Venous Pressure (CVP, Pulmonary Artery Occlusive Pressure (PAOP), & Systemic Vascular Resistance (SVR)

Explain the following hemodynamic terms: Cardiac Output (CO), Cardiac Index (CI), Central Venous Pressure (CVP, Pulmonary Artery Occlusive Pressure (PAOP), & Systemic Vascular Resistance (SVR)

ANSWER
Cardiac Output (CO)

Cardiac output is the volume of blood pumped by the heart per minute. It is measured in liters per minute (L/min). CO is an important measure of cardiac function, as it reflects the heart’s ability to deliver oxygenated blood to the tissues and remove carbon dioxide from the body.

Cardiac Index (CI)

Cardiac index is cardiac output adjusted for body surface area. It is measured in liters per minute per square meter (L/min/m²). CI is a more accurate measure of cardiac function than CO alone, as it takes into account differences in body size.

Central Venous Pressure (CVP)

Central venous pressure is the pressure of the blood in the right atrium of the heart. It is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg). CVP is a measure of preload, which is the amount of blood that fills the right atrium before it is pumped into the right ventricle.

Pulmonary Artery Occlusive Pressure (PAOP)

Pulmonary artery occlusive pressure is the pressure of the blood in the pulmonary artery when a balloon catheter is inflated to occlude the artery. It is measured in mmHg. PAOP is a measure of left ventricular afterload, which is the resistance the left ventricle must overcome to eject blood into the pulmonary circulation.

Systemic Vascular Resistance (SVR)

Systemic vascular resistance is the resistance of the blood vessels to the flow of blood. It is measured in dynes-seconds per centimeter to the fifth power (dynes-sec/cm⁵). SVR is a major determinant of arterial blood pressure.

Relationship between CO, CI, CVP, PAOP, and SVR

CO and CI are directly proportional to preload and inversely proportional to afterload. CVP is a measure of preload, and PAOP is a measure of afterload. SVR is the major determinant of afterload.

Clinical Significance

These hemodynamic parameters are important for the diagnosis and management of a variety of cardiovascular conditions, including heart failure, shock, and hypertension.

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