Reference — Critical Care
Hemodynamic Values Reference
Normal hemodynamic parameters provide the baseline against which clinical deviations are assessed. These values guide vasopressor titration, fluid management, and end-organ perfusion monitoring in critical care.
Educational use only. Normal ranges may vary by institution, patient population, and measurement method. Interpret all values in clinical context. Always correlate with patient assessment and provider-defined goals. This material supports nursing education and exam review. It is not medical advice and is not a substitute for clinical judgment, institutional policy, or medical direction. Always follow facility protocols and current provider orders.
Hemodynamic Parameters — Normal Ranges
| Parameter | Normal Range | Units | Clinical Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| MAP | 70–100 | mmHg | Organ perfusion pressure; goal ≥ 65 in septic shock |
| CVP | 2–8 | mmHg | Right heart preload estimate; limited accuracy as volume predictor alone |
| CO (Cardiac Output) | 4–8 | L/min | Total blood volume pumped per minute; HR × stroke volume |
| CI (Cardiac Index) | 2.5–4.0 | L/min/m² | CO normalized to body size; < 2.2 indicates cardiogenic shock |
| SVR | 800–1200 | dynes·sec/cm⁵ | Peripheral vascular resistance; primary afterload determinant |
| SVV (Stroke Volume Variation) | < 10–13% | % | Dynamic fluid responsiveness predictor; > 13% suggests fluid-responsive state |
MAP — Mean Arterial Pressure
MAP = (Systolic + 2 × Diastolic) ÷ 3
- Goal MAP ≥ 65 mmHg in septic shock — minimum for end-organ perfusion
- MAP < 60 mmHg: Risk of renal, cerebral, and myocardial ischemia
- Individual variation: Chronically hypertensive patients may need higher MAPs to maintain organ perfusion
- Arterial line provides continuous, beat-to-beat MAP measurement in hemodynamically unstable patients
CVP — Central Venous Pressure
- Low CVP (< 2 mmHg): Hypovolemia or distributive vasodilation
- High CVP (> 8–12 mmHg): Right heart failure, fluid overload, cardiac tamponade, tension pneumothorax
- Important limitation: CVP alone poorly predicts fluid responsiveness. Dynamic measures (SVV, PPV, passive leg raise) are superior
- Measured via central venous catheter (CVC) positioned in the superior vena cava or right atrium; level transducer at phlebostatic axis
CO and CI — Cardiac Output and Index
- CO = HR × SV: Affected by preload, afterload, and contractility
- Low CO: Cardiogenic shock, severe hypovolemia, tamponade, massive PE, severe bradycardia
- High CO: Sepsis (distributive), fever, anemia, hyperthyroidism, early pregnancy
- CI < 2.2: Cardiogenic shock threshold — inotropes and mechanical circulatory support considered
- Measured via pulmonary artery catheter (thermodilution), PiCCO, or non-invasive cardiac output monitors
SVR — Systemic Vascular Resistance
- Low SVR (< 800): Vasodilation — septic shock, anaphylaxis, neurogenic shock, liver failure. Patient appears warm and flushed early.
- High SVR (> 1200): Vasoconstriction — compensatory response in hypovolemic or cardiogenic shock, hypothermia. Patient appears cold and clammy.
- SVR is calculated, not directly measured: SVR = (MAP − CVP) × 80 ÷ CO
- High SVR with low CO is the hallmark hemodynamic profile of cardiogenic shock
SVV — Stroke Volume Variation
- Dynamic measure of fluid responsiveness — how much stroke volume varies with the respiratory cycle (mechanical ventilation)
- SVV > 13%: Suggests the patient is fluid-responsive — a fluid challenge will likely increase CO
- SVV < 10%: Suggests the patient is at the flat portion of the Frank-Starling curve — fluids unlikely to improve CO significantly
- Limitation: Only valid in fully mechanically ventilated patients in sinus rhythm on conventional tidal volumes (8–10 mL/kg); not reliable in spontaneously breathing patients or with arrhythmias
Standards & sources
Fact-checked Jun 20, 2026This page is written to align with Society of Critical Care Medicine (SCCM) · Surviving Sepsis Campaign · American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN). It is an educational summary, not a citation of any single document — always verify specific doses, values, and protocols against current guidelines and your facility policy. How we source content →