Cardiac Output by Fick Equation

Calculates cardiac output from oxygen consumption and arterial–mixed venous oxygen content difference.

Inputs

Color mode links each input to the matching equation term and solving arithmetic.

Equation and Work

Equation:
Solving steps:
CaO₂ − CvO₂
—
mL/dL
Cardiac output
—
L/min
Normal/reference: Cardiac output 4–8 L/min. The reference relationship is VO₂ divided by the arterial–mixed venous oxygen content difference; this calculator includes the mL/dL to L/min ×10 unit conversion.

Clinical Significance

The Fick cardiac-output estimate divides oxygen consumption by the arterial–mixed venous oxygen content difference. The factor 10 converts oxygen content in vol% (mL/dL) into mL/L so the final cardiac output is expressed in L/min.

It is used when VO₂ and oxygen contents are available to estimate blood flow per minute.

Accurate results require valid oxygen consumption and oxygen content measurements. Unit conversion is important when oxygen content is entered as mL/dL.

References (APA 7th Edition)

  1. Attached equations reference supplied by the user for calculator equation confirmation.