What is the formula for calculating cardiac output?

Cardiac output is a critical measurement used in cardiology to represent the volume of blood the heart pumps per minute. The formula for calculating cardiac output is derived from two primary components: heart rate (HR) and stroke volume (SV). Heart rate is the number of beats per minute, while stroke volume is the amount of blood ejected by the heart during each beat.

By multiplying stroke volume by heart rate (SV x HR), you arrive at the total volume of blood pumped by the heart in one minute. This relationship highlights how both the frequency of heartbeats and the volume of blood per beat contribute to overall cardiac function.

Understanding this formula is essential in clinical settings, as it helps assess heart performance and can indicate various cardiovascular conditions. Factors that may influence either stroke volume or heart rate, such as exercise or illness, can subsequently affect cardiac output, making this calculation extremely valuable.