Fick Calculator
Calculate cardiac output using the Fick principle based on oxygen consumption and arteriovenous oxygen difference.
Published by:
isCalculator Editorial Team
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How to Use the Fick Calculator
This calculator estimates cardiac output (CO) using the Fick principle: CO = VO₂ / (CaO₂ - CvO₂) × 10.
- VO₂ – Oxygen consumption in mL/min (e.g., 250).
- CaO₂ – Arterial oxygen content in mL/dL (e.g., 20).
- CvO₂ – Venous oxygen content in mL/dL (e.g., 15).
Steps:
- Enter all three values (positive numbers only).
- Ensure CaO₂ is greater than CvO₂.
- Click Calculate.
- Result shows CO in L/min with step-by-step details.
All inputs must be in metric units (mL/min and mL/dL). The calculator automatically converts dL to L.
Previous Results
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Frequently Asked Questions
The Fick principle states that cardiac output can be calculated as oxygen consumption divided by the arteriovenous oxygen difference.
VO₂ in mL/min, CaO₂ and CvO₂ in mL/dL. Result is in L/min.
To convert the difference from mL/dL to mL/L (multiply by 10) and then divide by 1000 to get L/min, but the formula uses a factor of 10 directly.
