Cardiac output is a fundamental parameter in cardiovascular physiology and medicine, referring to the volume of blood the heart pumps each minute. This guide offers an in-depth understanding of what cardiac output is, how it's calculated, and its application in the medical field and beyond. By the end, you will have a comprehensive understanding of cardiac output's relevance and calculation.
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| CO in L/min [for C.Index set BSA=1] with 125 ml O2/min/M2 | cm2 |
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| CO in L/min [for C.Index set BSA=1] with 135 ml O2/min/M2 | cm2 |
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Did you know that the average cardiac output for a resting adult is about 5 liters per minute? This figure can significantly increase during exercise, sometimes up to five-fold. Cardiac output plays a crucial role in meeting the body's dynamic demands for oxygen and nutrients.
The formula for calculating cardiac output is quite simple:
Cardiac Output = Heart Rate × Stroke Volume
Heart Rate is the number of heart beats per minute, and Stroke Volume is the amount of blood pumped by the left ventricle of the heart in one contraction.
Besides cardiology, the understanding of cardiac output is pivotal in fields like sports medicine, where it helps optimize athletes' performance and recovery. Anesthesiologists and critical care physicians also frequently monitor cardiac output to guide fluid and drug administration in critically ill patients.
For example, if a person has a resting heart rate of 70 beats per minute and a stroke volume of 70 mL/beat, their cardiac output would be:
Cardiac Output = 70 × 70 = 4900 mL/minute or 4.9 liters/minute
This understanding of cardiac output is vital in the medical field for assessing a patient's cardiovascular health.
Adolf Eugen Fick, a German physician and physiologist, was the first to measure cardiac output. His method, known as Fick's Principle, is still occasionally used today, especially in research settings. The contributions of Fick and other researchers have been instrumental in improving our understanding of cardiovascular physiology, aiding in the diagnosis and management of cardiac diseases.
You may also find the following Health Calculators useful.
Please note that the Cardiac Output Calculator is provided for your personal use and designed to provide information and information relating to the calculations only. The Cardiac Output Calculator should not be used for you to self-diagnose conditions, self-medicate or alter any existing medication that you are currently prescribed by your Doctor. If the Cardiac Output Calculator produces a calculation which causes you concern, please consult your Doctor for support, advice and further information.