II. Definitions
- Vital Capacity
- Maximal volume expelled after maximal inspiration
III. Images
IV. Calculation
- Components (additive)
- Inspiratory Reserve Volume (IRV) +
- Expiratory Reserve Volume (ERV) +
- Tidal Volume (TV)
- Normal adult: 3 to 5 Liters
- Gender Differences (values are >80% of predicted)
- Females: 50 to 60 cc/kg
- Males: 70 cc/kg
- Advancing age after 20 years
- Vital Capacity decreases 200 to 250 cc per 10 years
- Calculations based on height
- Females: (27.63 - (0.112 x age)) x (height cm)
- Males: (21.78 - (0.101 x age)) x (height cm)
- Minimum (life sustaining): 15 cc/kg
V. References
- Rollings (1984) Facts and Formulas, p. 17-18
- Wilson (1991) Harrison's IM, McGraw-Hill, p.1033-6