What is a normal cardiac index?

Normal cardiac index is 2.5–4.0 L/min/m². A CI below 2.2 L/min/m² is consistent with cardiogenic shock, while values above 4.0 suggest hyperdynamic states such as early sepsis or thyrotoxicosis.

When should cardiac index be used instead of cardiac output?

Cardiac index should always be used when comparing patients of different sizes, as a CO of 4 L/min is adequate for a small woman but may indicate shock in a large male patient.

Cardiac Index — CO Indexed to Body Surface Area

Calculate Cardiac Index (CI = CO / BSA) to normalize cardiac output for patient size, enabling comparison of cardiac function between patients of different body habitus in ICU and cardiac care settings.

Use the full interactive calculator below, or

Cardiac Index — CO Indexed to Body Surface Area

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a normal cardiac index?

When should cardiac index be used instead of cardiac output?