# Pulmonary Vascular Resistance Calculator (PVR) Compute PVR = (mPAP − PCWP) / CO in Wood units and dyn·s/cm⁵. Normal < 3 Wood; elevated in pulmonary hypertension. Derived from Grossman 1991, Simonneau 2019, Humbert ESC/ERS 2022, StatPearls, LITFL. Not medical advice. > Canonical page: https://elysiatools.com/en/tools/pulmonary-vascular-resistance - **Category:** Health - **Keywords:** pulmonary vascular resistance, pvr, wood units, mean pulmonary artery pressure, mpap, pulmonary capillary wedge pressure, pcwp, pulmonary hypertension, pah, precapillary, postcapillary, hemodynamics, cardiology, critical care, pulmonology ## Overview The Pulmonary Vascular Resistance Calculator computes PVR from mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP), pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP), and cardiac output (CO). It returns the result in Wood units and dyn·s/cm⁵, with a reference category based on the 3 Wood threshold. ## Inputs - **Mean Pulmonary Artery Pressure mPAP (mmHg)** (number): Mean pulmonary artery pressure (mmHg) from right heart catheterization. - **Pulmonary Capillary Wedge Pressure PCWP (mmHg)** (number): Pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (mmHg) from RHC; approximates left atrial pressure. Typical 6–12 mmHg. - **Cardiac Output CO (L/min)** (number): Cardiac output in L/min (from thermodilution, Fick, or echo). - **Decimal Places** (number) ## When to use - When reviewing hemodynamic measurements from right heart catheterization. - When comparing pulmonary vascular resistance across clinical assessments. - When you need PVR shown in both Wood units and dyn·s/cm⁵. ## How it works - Enter mPAP in mmHg, PCWP in mmHg, and cardiac output in L/min. - The calculator subtracts PCWP from mPAP to determine the pressure gradient. - It divides the pressure gradient by cardiac output: PVR = (mPAP − PCWP) / CO. - It converts Wood units to dyn·s/cm⁵ using 80 × PVR and displays the selected number of decimal places. ## Use cases - Reviewing right heart catheterization hemodynamics in cardiology, pulmonology, or critical care. - Checking PVR calculations during pulmonary hypertension assessment. - Converting PVR results between Wood units and dyn·s/cm⁵ for clinical documentation. ## Frequently asked questions ### What inputs does the PVR calculator require? It requires mPAP, PCWP, and cardiac output. Pressures are entered in mmHg and cardiac output in L/min. ### What is the PVR formula? PVR = (mPAP − PCWP) / CO, reported in Wood units. ### How are Wood units converted to dyn·s/cm⁵? The calculator multiplies the Wood-unit result by 80. ### What does a result below 3 Wood units mean? The tool labels results below 3 Wood units as Normal PVR. This reference category is not a diagnosis. ### Can this calculator replace medical advice? No. Use the result with clinical data and professional medical interpretation. ## Related tools - [Extended BMR Calculator (Mifflin / Schofield Multi-Formula Comparison)](https://elysiatools.com/en/tools/basal-metabolic-rate-ext): Compare Mifflin-St Jeor, original and revised Harris-Benedict, Schofield (FAO/WHO/UNU), and Katch-McArdle BMR equations side by side with mean and spread in kcal/day. 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