Cardiac Output Calculator calculator can be used to estimate cardiac output using the Fick principle, which is the product of oxygen uptake and arteriovenous oxygen difference.
Learn how to use the Cardiac Output Calculator calculator and its working principles
The Fick principle is a method used to estimate cardiac output by measuring the amount of oxygen that is consumed by the body and the difference in oxygen content between arterial and venous blood.
Cardiac Output (CO) is calculated as:
CO = Oxygen Uptake (VO2) / Arteriovenous Oxygen Difference (AVO2D)
The oxygen uptake can be measured directly using a metabolic cart, while the arteriovenous oxygen difference is typically estimated based on the patient's hemoglobin level, blood flow, and oxygen consumption.
This calculator is useful in clinical settings for assessing cardiac function, particularly in patients with heart failure, pulmonary disease, or during surgery.