Normal hemodynamic parameters in conscious Wistar rats.

The evolution of different hemodynamic parameters with ponderal growth has been studied in conscious Wistar rats. The thermodilution method has been used to determine cardiac output and related variables. The results suggest that, between animal weight and the different hemodynamic parameters, there is a direct proportional relationship to blood volume, mean arterial pressure, cardiac output, stroke volume and total peripheral resistance, and an indirect proportional relationship to heart rate, cardiac index and stroke volume index. Body weight, therefore, plays a major role in hemodynamic determination, this having to be kept in mind when designing the experiment.