Pediatric cardiac output equation
Age-adjusted calculation of cardiac output accounting for differences in pediatric heart rate and stroke volume.
Full Definition
The pediatric cardiac output equation adjusts standard cardiac output calculations to account for the physiological differences in children, where higher heart rates compensate for smaller stroke volumes. In pediatric patients, cardiac output equals heart rate multiplied by stroke volume, but normal values vary significantly by age and weight. Infants rely heavily on heart rate to maintain cardiac output since stroke volume is relatively fixed due to immature myocardium. Normal cardiac index in children ranges from 3.5-5.5 L/min/m², compared to 2.5-4.0 L/min/m² in adults. Understanding these parameters is crucial for intraoperative hemodynamic management and recognizing cardiac compromise.
Usage
Usage note: Hyphenate when used as adjective phrase; specify age group when documenting.
In Context
- "Using the pediatric cardiac output equation, the calculated output was within normal limits for this 3-year-old patient." — Hemodynamic assessment
- "The anesthesiologist applied the pediatric cardiac output equation to evaluate the effectiveness of inotropic support." — ICU consultation