Cardiac Power Output: Clinical Guide

Overview

Calculates cardiac power output from mean arterial pressure and cardiac output.

Clinical Significance

Integrates pressure and flow into a measure of cardiac pumping power. Prognostic thresholds depend on population and measurement conditions.

When to Use

• Use when the required measurements are available, reliable and clinically relevant.

How It Is Calculated

• CPO = MAP × cardiac output / 451.

Interpretation

• Integrates pressure and flow into a measure of cardiac pumping power. Prognostic thresholds depend on population and measurement conditions.

Worked Example

Enter valid values in the displayed units. MedicalC then applies: CPO = MAP × cardiac output / 451.

Limitations

• The result does not establish a diagnosis or mandate treatment.
• Measurement error may be more important than arithmetic precision.
• Published thresholds may differ between populations and settings.

Clinical Pearls

• Document the source values and units with the final result.
• Review trends rather than isolated values where appropriate.

Common Mistakes

• Using the wrong unit.
• Combining values from different time points.
• Applying the result outside the intended measurement or clinical context.

References

1. Fincke R et al. Cardiac power is the strongest hemodynamic correlate of mortality in cardiogenic shock. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2004. — Primary, supporting or authoritative reference for the implemented relationship.