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.
• Vasopressors and InotropesPVR · Modest fall · Larger fall (helps RV, PH)
• Airway and RSIRV failure, pulmonary HTN · Hypoxemia, CO₂, PPV raise PVR; low MAP · Norepinephrine or vasopressin; inhaled vasodilator

Related calculators

• Cardiac Index (CI)
• Cardiac Output (Fick Principle)
• Cerebral Perfusion Pressure (CPP)
• Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP)
• Oxygen Delivery (DO₂)
• QTc (Bazett)
• Shock Index
• Stroke Volume (SV)

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