Cardiac Output Index

Cardiac Index (CI): Normalizes Cardiac Output (CO) to Body Surface Area (BSA).

Cardiac Output (L/min)

BSA (m²)

Guidelines & Evidence

Verified

Last Review: 2026-07-17

When to Use

Assessment of cardiac output adjusted for body size (Body Surface Area).

Essential for identifying cardiogenic shock (CI < 2.2 L/min/m2).

Monitoring response to inotropic therapy or mechanical circulatory support.

How it Works

Formula

CI = CO / BSA Where CO = Cardiac Output (L/min), BSA = Body Surface Area (m2).

Clinical Thresholds

Normal CI	2.5–4.0 L/min/m2
Cardiogenic Shock	< 2.2 L/min/m2
Severe Low Output	< 1.8 L/min/m2

Last Comprehensive Review: 2026-07-17

Guidelines & Evidence

Verified

Last Review: 2026-07-17

When to Use

Assessment of cardiac output adjusted for body size (Body Surface Area).

Essential for identifying cardiogenic shock (CI < 2.2 L/min/m2).

Monitoring response to inotropic therapy or mechanical circulatory support.

How it Works

Formula

CI = CO / BSA Where CO = Cardiac Output (L/min), BSA = Body Surface Area (m2).

Clinical Thresholds

Normal CI	2.5–4.0 L/min/m2
Cardiogenic Shock	< 2.2 L/min/m2
Severe Low Output	< 1.8 L/min/m2

Last Comprehensive Review: 2026-07-17

Recent Journal Updates

JAMAJul 21, 2026

Errors in Figures

Clinical Context

We think this might be relevant to the clinical guidance for Cardiac Output Index.

WHO NewsJul 2, 2026

WHO adds first diagnostic test for Ebola Bundibugyo virus to its Emergency Use Listing

Clinical Context

We think this has broad domain relevance to Cardiac Output Index.

WHO NewsJun 15, 2026

Open letter to leaders of G7, G20, BRICS and all nations on finalizing the WHO Pandemic Agreement’s Pathogen Access and Benefit Sharing annex

Clinical Context

We think this might be relevant to the clinical guidance for Cardiac Output Index.

Cardiac Output Index

When to Use

When to Use

How it Works

Formula

Clinical Thresholds

Clinical Pearls

Why indexing matters

Next Steps

Complementary Calculators

The Evidence

Hemodynamic Standards

Catheterization of the heart in man with use of a flow-directed balloon-tipped catheter.

When to Use

When to Use

How it Works

Formula

Clinical Thresholds

Clinical Pearls

Why indexing matters

Next Steps

Complementary Calculators

The Evidence

Hemodynamic Standards

Catheterization of the heart in man with use of a flow-directed balloon-tipped catheter.

Recent Journal Updates

Cardiac Output Index

When to Use

When to Use

How it Works

Formula

Clinical Thresholds

Clinical Pearls

Why indexing matters

Next Steps

Complementary Calculators

The Evidence

Hemodynamic Standards

Catheterization of the heart in man with use of a flow-directed balloon-tipped catheter.

When to Use

When to Use

How it Works

Formula

Clinical Thresholds

Clinical Pearls

Why indexing matters

Next Steps

Complementary Calculators

The Evidence

Hemodynamic Standards

Catheterization of the heart in man with use of a flow-directed balloon-tipped catheter.

Recent Journal Updates