Critical Care & Hemodynamics
Right Ventricular Stroke Work Index (RVSWI) Calculator
Calculate RV stroke work index in both reporting conventions, with an explicit conversion between them.Need the full picture? Open the combined Swan-Ganz calculator →Enter measurements
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Calculated result
(CI / HR) × (mPAP − RAP)
g·m/m²/beat = mmHg·L/m²/beat × 13.6
Enter the required measurements to calculate a result.
Educational use only. This tool and its outputs do not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and do not replace clinical judgment. Independently verify the inputs, equations, assumptions, units, and outputs, and confirm that the tool is appropriate for your intended use before relying on a result.
What is RV stroke work index (RVSWI)?
RVSWI estimates right ventricular work per beat, indexed to body surface area. It combines indexed stroke volume with the mean pulmonary artery-to-right atrial pressure gradient. It describes workload as well as pump performance.
How is it calculated?
(CI / HR) × (mPAP − RAP)
CI is in L/min/m², HR in beats/min, and mPAP and RAP in mmHg. The base equation produces mmHg·L/m²/beat. Multiply that result by 13.6 to obtain g·m/m²/beat, or multiply a stroke volume index already expressed in mL/m²/beat by the gradient and 0.0136.
Result units: mmHg·L/m²/beat.
Clinical interpretation
Low RVSWI has prognostic associations in selected HF, shock, and LVAD populations. Published low-value references around 0.15–0.33 mmHg·L/m²/beat correspond to 2.04–4.49 g·m/m²/beat. They are study-specific references, not a normal range. Never compare a value in one convention with a cutoff in the other.
Clinical considerations
A high RVSWI may reflect greater pulmonary vascular load rather than healthy RV contractility. Interpret with PA pressures, RAP, PAPi, echo, and perfusion.
Flow and pressure measurements must refer to the same hemodynamic state. Confirm that mPAP exceeds RAP and that CI and HR use the stated units.
References
- Belkin MN, Fudim M, Baratto C, et al. Standardization of Baseline and Provocative Invasive Hemodynamic Protocols for the Evaluation of Heart Failure and Pulmonary Hypertension. Circulation: Heart Failure. 2026;19:e000088. ↗
- Supplemental Table 1 — Advanced Hemodynamic Parameters (page 1; references on page 2) ↗
- Cardiac Recovery Pathway for Mechanical Circulatory Support in Heart Failure. Curr Treat Options Cardiovasc Med. 2026. ↗
Independently created by MendelMD. These educational calculators are not provided, endorsed, or independently validated by the American Heart Association.