In the equation SVR = (MAP - CVP) / CO × 80, what is the conversion factor used to convert units to dynes·s·cm^-5?

In the equation SVR = (MAP - CVP) / CO × 80, what is the conversion factor used to convert units to dynes·s·cm^-5?

• A. 60
• B. 80
• C. 100
• D. 120

Answer: (B)

The conversion factor comes from turning SVR from Wood units (mmHg·min/L) into dynes·s·cm^-5. The expression (MAP − CVP)/CO, with MAP and CVP in mmHg and CO in L/min, yields mmHg·min/L, which is a Wood unit. To express SVR in dynes·s·cm^-5, multiply by 80 because 1 Wood unit equals 80 dynes·s·cm^-5. So the factor used is 80. Normal SVR values are about 800–1200 dynes·s·cm^-5 (roughly 10–15 Wood units).

The conversion factor comes from turning SVR from Wood units (mmHg·min/L) into dynes·s·cm^-5. The expression (MAP − CVP)/CO, with MAP and CVP in mmHg and CO in L/min, yields mmHg·min/L, which is a Wood unit. To express SVR in dynes·s·cm^-5, multiply by 80 because 1 Wood unit equals 80 dynes·s·cm^-5. So the factor used is 80. Normal SVR values are about 800–1200 dynes·s·cm^-5 (roughly 10–15 Wood units).