Normal Cardiac Output in Relation to Age and Body Size

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Abstract
The resting cardiac output (CO) was measured in 151 healthy persons (109 males and 42 females), 4-78 yr old, by the earpiece dye-dilution method by using an automatic calibration device of dye concentration. Cardiac index (CI) had a significantly inverse correlation to age in 105 cases with the age higher than 20 yr: r (correlation coefficient) = 0.491 and y = 4.874-0.023 x, where y is CI (l/min per m2) and x is age (yr). Stroke index decreased linearly by aging throughout all ages: r = -0.426 and y = 71.0-0.26 x, where y is stroke index (ml/m2) and x is age. There was no significant difference between males and females. A significant difference was found between the young group below 14 yr old and the other group older than 15 yr when CO was correlated to body sizes such as height, weight and surface area. The former which is corresponding to the growth age showed significantly higher CO than the latter. Age-matched normal predicted values were presented. Apparently the measured CI and stroke index should be taken as abnormal if those values deviate from the normal value by 30% or more.