Hemodynamics

Pulmonary Vascular Resistance (PVR) Calculator

Resistance the right ventricle pumps against in the lungs; raised in pulmonary hypertension, PE and hypoxic vasoconstriction.

Reviewed by Alex G, BSN, RN, CEN, CCRN, CMC, NREMT-P · From the Reference tab of the app

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Formula

((mPAP - PAOP) / CO) * 80

Reference: Normal 100–250

How it is used

• Classic normal PVR is 100–250 dyn·s/cm⁵ (1.25–3 Wood units); 1 Wood unit = 80 dyn·s/cm⁵.
• Pulmonary hypertension guidelines call a PVR above 2 Wood units (160) high (ESC/ERS 2022).
• Hypoxia, hypercapnia, acidosis, microthrombi, atelectasis and overdistension or high PEEP all raise PVR and load the right ventricle.
• A high PVR with a normal wedge points to a pulmonary vascular cause (PE, pulmonary hypertension); a high wedge points to left heart disease.

Same formula as the app. Open it in the web app.

Related one-pagers

• Hemodynamic NormalsPVR · 100–250 · dyn·s/cm⁵
• Shock Types at a GlanceE, massive PE: high CVP and PA pressures, normal PCWP; PVR = (34 − 8) ÷ 2.8 × 80 ≈ 740. RV infarct looks alike but with low PA pressures: PA 24/14 and RAP 18 give PAPi 0.56.
• Swan-Ganz (PA Catheter): Waveforms, Wedge and Normal ValuesPVR · Under 250 dyn·s/cm⁵ · (mean PA − PAOP) × 80 ÷ CO
• Right Heart Failure and Pulmonary HypertensionPVR: SpO₂ over 90–92% (WSPH 2024; Ventetuolo 2014), normal PaCO₂ and pH, normothermia, lowest PEEP that keeps lungs open.

Related calculators

• Cardiac Index (CI)
• Cardiac Output (Fick Principle)
• Cardiac Output (HR × SV)
• Cerebral Perfusion Pressure (CPP)
• Coronary Perfusion Pressure
• Ejection Fraction (EF)
• Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP)
• Oxygen Delivery (DO₂)

For education and exam preparation only. Follow your institution’s protocols. For education and exam preparation only. Verify results independently and follow your institution’s protocols. Not a substitute for clinical judgment.