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Pulmonary Vascular Resistance (PVR) is calculated as PVR (Wood units) = (Mean Pulmonary Artery Pressure - Pulmonary Capillary Wedge Pressure) / Cardiac Output. Multiplying by 80 converts Wood units to dyn.s/cm5, the standard conversion factor used in hemodynamics. Commonly cited normal PVR is roughly 0.3-1.5 Wood units. This calculator is for general reference and educational purposes only — it is not a medical diagnosis. Consult a doctor for actual hemodynamic assessment.
How it works
Enter mean pulmonary artery pressure, pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP), and cardiac output. The tool computes PVR in Wood units, then converts to dyn.s/cm5.
- Enter mean pulmonary artery pressure (mmHg).
- Enter pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (mmHg).
- Enter cardiac output (L/min).
- Click Calculate to see your results.
Examples
Mean PA pressure 15, PCWP 8, cardiac output 5
PVR = (15-8)/5 = 1.4 Wood units = 112 dyn·s/cm⁵.
Who should use it
- Reviewing right heart catheterization results alongside a doctor.
- Cardiology and pulmonology education about pulmonary hemodynamics.
Industry applications
- Cardiology and pulmonology reference
- Critical care education
Advantages
- Standard, widely used hemodynamic formula.
- Reports both commonly used units (Wood units and dyn.s/cm5).
Limitations
- Requires invasively obtained hemodynamic values (typically right heart catheterization).
- A single snapshot — clinical decisions rely on trends and the full clinical picture.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Using PCWP and mean PA pressure values measured at different times or physiological states.
- Forgetting to apply the x80 conversion when a result in dyn.s/cm5 is needed instead of Wood units.
Best practices
- Use hemodynamic values obtained from the same catheterization study for a consistent, meaningful PVR.
Tips
- PVR is typically interpreted alongside other right heart catheterization findings, not in isolation.