Minute ventilation, a vital respiratory parameter, represents the volume of gas inhaled or exhaled from a person’s lungs per minute. It is derived by multiplying the tidal volume, which is the volume of air moved in or out of the lungs during a single breath, by the respiratory rate, which is the number of breaths taken per minute. For example, if an individual has a tidal volume of 500 milliliters (0.5 liters) and a respiratory rate of 12 breaths per minute, the result is 6 liters per minute.
Assessing the amount of air moved into and out of the lungs is essential for evaluating respiratory function, and its use extends across various clinical settings. Deviations from normal values can indicate underlying respiratory problems such as hyperventilation, hypoventilation, or other pulmonary dysfunctions. The measurement has been an important part of pulmonary physiology for decades, with its significance continuously evolving with advancements in respiratory medicine and monitoring technologies.
