Cardiac index

The cardiac index (HI), also Engl. cardiac index (CI ) is a parameter for the assessment of cardiac output and is calculated from the cardiac output and the body surface. The unit is l / min / m ². An important role is played by the cardiac index for monitoring of hemodynamics and cardiovascular data from patients in intensive care units. The cardiac index can be measured, for example by means of a PiCCO.

Calculation

With

Standard values

A standard value of 2.5 is - 4 l / min / m ² specified in the literature.

Assessment

An increase in cardiac index occurs at the onset of sepsis, fever, anemia, or hyperthyroidism.

To a lowering of HI occurs in hypovolemia, cardiogenic shock, and congestive heart failure.