Cardiac index (CI) is a vasodynamic parameter that relates the cardiac output (CO) to body surface area (BSA),^[1] thus relating heart performance to the size of the individual. The unit of measurement is litres per minute per square metre (l/min/m²).

[edit] Calculation

The index is usually calculated using the following formula:

where

CI=Cardiac index

BSA=Body surface area

SV=Stroke volume

HR=Heart rate

CO=Cardiac output

[edit] Clinical significance

The normal range of cardiac index is 2.6 - 4.2 L/min per square meter.

If the CI falls below 1.8 L/min, the patient may be in cardiogenic shock.

[edit] References

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