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.
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Key facts
Category
Health
Input types
number
Output type
json
Sample coverage
4
API ready
Yes
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.
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
1Enter mPAP in mmHg, PCWP in mmHg, and cardiac output in L/min.
2The calculator subtracts PCWP from mPAP to determine the pressure gradient.
3It divides the pressure gradient by cardiac output: PVR = (mPAP − PCWP) / CO.
4It 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.
Examples
1. Normal pulmonary vascular resistance
Clinician reviewing catheterization data
Background
A hemodynamic assessment provides mPAP of 15 mmHg, PCWP of 8 mmHg, and cardiac output of 5 L/min.
Problem
Calculate PVR and check whether it is below the reference threshold of 3 Wood units.
How to use
Enter mPAP as 15, PCWP as 8, CO as 5, and set Decimal Places to 2.
{"mpap":15,"pcwp":8,"co":5,"decimalPlaces":2}
Outcome
The pressure gradient is 7 mmHg. PVR is 1.40 Wood units, or 112 dyn·s/cm⁵, and the result is categorized as Normal PVR.
2. Elevated pulmonary vascular resistance
Pulmonary hypertension team
Background
A patient assessment records mPAP of 35 mmHg, PCWP of 10 mmHg, and cardiac output of 5 L/min.
Problem
Quantify the elevated PVR in both supported units.
How to use
Enter mPAP as 35, PCWP as 10, CO as 5, and set Decimal Places to 2.
FAQ
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.