Body Surface Area (BSA) is a key metric in medicine, used to standardize physiological measurements like cardiac output across patients of different sizes. In cardiology, BSA is essential for calculating cardiac index, a personalized measure of heart function. Our free BSA calculator, based on the Du Bois formula, makes it easy to compute BSA accurately.
This guide explains what BSA is, how it’s calculated, and its role in cardiology. Use our calculator below to get instant BSA results.
Why BSA Matters in Cardiology
BSA represents the total surface area of a person’s body, typically ranging from 1.5 to 2.5 m². In cardiology, BSA is used to normalize cardiac output, creating the cardiac index, which adjusts heart performance for body size. This ensures accurate comparisons across patients, from children to adults.
BSA is also used in drug dosing and renal function calculations, making it a versatile metric in medicine.
How to Calculate BSA (Du Bois Formula)
The Du Bois formula is the most widely used method to calculate BSA:
BSA (m²) = 0.007184 × Weight (kg)<sup>0.425</sup> × Height (cm)<sup>0.725</sup>
For example, a person weighing 70 kg and standing 170 cm tall has a BSA of approximately 1.83 m². This calculation requires precise inputs for weight and height, as noted in resources like the National Center for Biotechnology Information.
Using Our BSA Calculator
BSA and Cardiac Index
BSA is critical for calculating cardiac index, which divides cardiac output by BSA to assess heart function relative to body size. A normal cardiac index ranges from 2.5 to 4.0 L/min/m². Learn more in our Cardiac Index Guide.
Conclusion
Body Surface Area (BSA) is a simple yet powerful metric in cardiology, enabling personalized heart function assessments through cardiac index calculations. Using the Du Bois formula, our BSA calculator provides fast, accurate results for medical professionals and students. Explore its role in cardiac care and enhance your calculations today.