This parameter provides a more accurate assessment of heart function relative to the size of the individual, as opposed to absolute cardiac output alone.
Conversely, elevated cardiac index values may be observed in hyperdynamic states, such as systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) or in patients with anemia.
The cardiac index is thus a valuable tool in guiding therapeutic interventions in various clinical settings, including intensive care units.
[4] In clinical practice, CI helps tailor therapies such as the administration of vasopressors in septic shock based on real-time assessments from tools like bedside echocardiograms.
This metric is essential for evaluating heart performance relative to the body’s needs rather than in isolation, making it a key factor in managing various forms of shock.