vascular resistance calculation
Mathematical determination of resistance to blood flow through systemic or pulmonary circulation using pressure and flow measurements.
Full Definition
Vascular resistance calculations quantify the opposition to blood flow in the systemic or pulmonary circulation using the formula: Resistance = (Mean Pressure Gradient) / (Blood Flow). Systemic vascular resistance uses mean arterial pressure minus central venous pressure divided by cardiac output, while pulmonary vascular resistance uses mean pulmonary artery pressure minus left atrial pressure divided by cardiac output. These calculations guide vasoactive drug therapy and assess the effectiveness of interventions during cardiac surgery.
Usage
Usage note: Always specify units (dyne·sec/cm⁵ or Wood units) and indicate whether indexed to body surface area.
In Context
- "Vascular resistance calculations revealed elevated PVR requiring pulmonary vasodilator therapy." — Hemodynamic assessment
- "Serial vascular resistance calculations guided vasopressor titration during separation from bypass." — Anesthesia record