What is the normal Cardiac Index (CI)?

The normal range for Cardiac Index (CI) is between 2.2 to 4.2 L/min/m². The Cardiac Index is a crucial measurement that helps assess the efficiency of the heart in pumping blood relative to the body surface area. It allows healthcare providers to evaluate cardiac output and assess the heart's performance in real-time as it considers the individual's size, making it more specific compared to cardiac output alone.

A CI within this range indicates adequate perfusion of organs and tissues, essential for sustaining physiological functions. Values below this range may indicate inadequate circulation, which is often seen in conditions like heart failure, while consistently higher values could suggest excessive cardiac workload or stress on the heart. Understanding this normal range is vital for nurses when monitoring patients with heart-related conditions, as it assists in making clinical decisions regarding treatment and interventions.