Normal Hemodynamic Values Cheat Sheet
Every normal pressure, saturation, and derived value on one printable page — the highest-yield reference for the RCIS exam and the cath lab.
Print or share this cheat sheet
✓ Free to use in your class, blog, or study group — please credit us with a link:
<a href="https://rcispracticetest.com/cheat-sheets/hemodynamic-values.html">Normal Hemodynamic Values Cheat Sheet — RCIS Practice Test</a>Educational use only — not medical advice. Values are standard adult references; always confirm against current guidelines and your institution’s protocols.
Normal chamber & vessel pressures (mmHg)
| Site | Systolic / Diastolic | Mean |
|---|---|---|
| Right atrium (RA) / CVP | — | 2–6 |
| Right ventricle (RV) | 15–30 / 2–8 | — |
| Pulmonary artery (PA) | 15–30 / 8–15 | 10–20 |
| PCWP (wedge) / left atrium | — | 6–12 |
| Left ventricle (LV) | 100–140 / 3–12 | — |
| Aorta | 100–140 / 60–90 | 70–105 |
LV end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP) is normally 3–12 mmHg; elevation suggests raised filling pressure or reduced compliance.
Normal oxygen saturations by site (%)
| Site | O₂ saturation |
|---|---|
| Superior vena cava (SVC) | ~70 |
| Inferior vena cava (IVC) | ~75 |
| Right atrium / RV / PA (mixed venous) | ~70–75 |
| Pulmonary vein / LA / LV / aorta (systemic arterial) | ~95–100 |
A step-up in saturation localizes a left-to-right shunt: RA → ASD, RV → VSD, PA → PDA.
Cardiac output & related values
| Value | Normal range |
|---|---|
| Cardiac output (CO) | 4–8 L/min |
| Cardiac index (CI) | 2.5–4.0 L/min/m² |
| Stroke volume (SV) | 60–100 mL |
| Stroke volume index (SVI) | 33–47 mL/m² |
| Ejection fraction (EF) | 55–70% |
| Mixed venous O₂ saturation (SvO₂) | 60–75% |
Vascular resistances
| Resistance | Normal range |
|---|---|
| Systemic vascular resistance (SVR) | 800–1200 dynes·s·cm⁻⁵ |
| Pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) | < 250 dynes·s·cm⁻⁵ (< ~3 Wood units) |
| Transpulmonary gradient (mPAP − PCWP) | < 12 mmHg |
Derived oxygen values
| Value | Normal / typical |
|---|---|
| Arterial O₂ content (CaO₂) | ~16–20 mL O₂/dL |
| Oxygen extraction ratio | ~25% |
| Oxygen consumption (VO₂) | ~250 mL/min (≈125 mL/min/m²) |
| Oxygen delivery (DO₂) | ~1000 mL/min |
Need to compute any of these from your own numbers? Use the free all-in-one hemodynamic calculator or the Fick cardiac output calculator, then lock it in with hemodynamics practice questions.
Drill these values into memory
Free hemodynamics questions with worked explanations.
Practise Hemodynamics →Frequently asked questions
What is a normal PCWP?
Normal pulmonary capillary wedge pressure is about 6–12 mmHg, reflecting left atrial / LV filling pressure. Elevation suggests left-heart congestion.
What is a normal mixed venous oxygen saturation?
Mixed venous O₂ saturation (measured in the pulmonary artery) is normally about 60–75%. A low value suggests increased extraction from low output.
What are normal right atrial and pulmonary artery pressures?
RA mean pressure is about 2–6 mmHg; pulmonary artery pressure is about 15–30/8–15 mmHg with a mean of 10–20 mmHg.
Can I print this hemodynamic values sheet?
Yes — use the 'Print / Save as PDF' button at the top. It prints as a clean one-page reference.
Sources & further reading
- Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI)
- American College of Cardiology
- American Heart Association
- MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine)
External links are provided for reference; always confirm current details with the official source.