Cardiac Output Formula:
From: | To: |
Cardiac Output (CO) is the volume of blood the heart pumps per minute, calculated as the product of heart rate (HR) and stroke volume (SV). It is a key indicator of cardiovascular function and overall cardiac performance.
The calculator uses the Cardiac Output formula:
Where:
Explanation: The equation multiplies heart rate by stroke volume to determine the total volume of blood pumped by the heart each minute.
Details: Cardiac output measurement is essential for assessing heart function, diagnosing cardiovascular conditions, monitoring critically ill patients, and evaluating responses to treatments.
Tips: Enter heart rate in beats per minute (bpm) and stroke volume in milliliters (mL). All values must be valid positive numbers.
Q1: What is a normal cardiac output value?
A: Normal cardiac output ranges from 4-8 L/min in adults at rest, but varies based on body size, age, and fitness level.
Q2: How is stroke volume measured clinically?
A: Stroke volume can be measured using echocardiography, thermodilution techniques, or calculated from other hemodynamic parameters.
Q3: What factors affect cardiac output?
A: Cardiac output is influenced by heart rate, preload, afterload, contractility, and overall cardiovascular health.
Q4: When is cardiac output measurement most important?
A: It's crucial in critical care settings, during surgery, for heart failure management, and in sports medicine evaluations.
Q5: Can cardiac output change with exercise?
A: Yes, cardiac output can increase significantly during exercise to meet the body's increased oxygen demands, often reaching 20-25 L/min in trained athletes.