Cardiac output

Definition

Cardiac output is the volume of blood the heart pumps per minute. It is a critical parameter in assessing cardiovascular health and function.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Cardiac output is calculated by multiplying heart rate (HR) by stroke volume (SV).
2. Normal cardiac output for a healthy adult ranges from 4 to 8 liters per minute.
3. Decreased cardiac output can lead to inadequate tissue perfusion and organ failure.
4. Drugs that affect heart rate or stroke volume can significantly influence cardiac output.
5. In heart failure, cardiac output is often reduced due to impaired myocardial contractility.

Review Questions

• How do you calculate cardiac output?
• What are the normal values for cardiac output in a healthy adult?
• Why is cardiac output important in the context of heart failure?

Related terms

Stroke Volume: The amount of blood pumped by the left ventricle with each heartbeat.

Heart Rate: The number of times the heart beats per minute.

Ejection Fraction: The percentage of blood ejected from the left ventricle during each contraction.