Pulmonary Vascular Resistance calculator
Result
128dyn·s/cm⁵
Normal (< 3 WU / 240 dyn·s/cm⁵)
1 Wood Unit = 80 dyn·s/cm⁵. Normal PVR < 3 WU. PVR >5 WU is a relative contraindication to heart transplantation.
How to use it
- 1
Right heart catheterisation. Gold standard: measure mPAP and PCWP via PA catheter; CO by thermodilution or Fick.
- 2
Calculate. PVR = (mPAP − PCWP) ÷ CO × 80 (dyn·s/cm⁵) or ÷ CO (Wood Units).
- 3
Test reversibility. If PVR >5 WU: vasodilator challenge with NO or iloprost. PVR reduction >20% = reversible PH.
When to use it
- Pulmonary hypertension evaluation
- Classifies as pre-capillary (high PVR, normal PCWP) vs. post-capillary (normal PVR, high PCWP).
- Heart transplant candidacy
- PVR >5 WU (irreversible) is a contraindication. Reversible PH with vasodilators can be acceptable.
- Congenital heart disease
- PVR/SVR ratio guides operability (Eisenmenger syndrome when ratio >0.7).
A reference for clinicians and students, not medical advice. A score supports a decision; it does not make one. Check every result against the patient in front of you and your local protocol.
At a glance
- Specialty
- Cardiology
- Inputs
- 3
- Type
- Formula
