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Cardiac Output Formula:
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Cardiac Output (CO) is the volume of blood the heart pumps through the circulatory system in one minute. It is a crucial hemodynamic parameter that reflects the heart's efficiency in meeting the body's metabolic demands.
The calculator uses the Cardiac Output equation:
Where:
Explanation: The equation calculates the total blood volume pumped by the heart per minute by multiplying the number of heartbeats per minute by the volume of blood ejected with each heartbeat.
Details: Cardiac output measurement is essential for assessing cardiovascular function, diagnosing heart conditions, monitoring critically ill patients, and guiding treatment decisions in cardiac and intensive care settings.
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 range?
A: Normal cardiac output ranges from 4-8 liters per minute in adults at rest, but varies based on body size, age, and fitness level.
Q2: How does exercise affect cardiac output?
A: During exercise, cardiac output can increase 4-5 times above resting levels due to increased heart rate and stroke volume.
Q3: What factors can affect stroke volume?
A: Stroke volume is influenced by preload, afterload, contractility, and heart rate. Conditions like heart failure can significantly reduce stroke volume.
Q4: Are there other methods to measure cardiac output?
A: Yes, clinical methods include thermodilution, Fick principle, echocardiography, and pulse contour analysis, which are more accurate but also more invasive.
Q5: Why is cardiac output important in medical practice?
A: It helps assess cardiac function, guide fluid management, optimize drug therapy, and monitor response to treatment in critically ill patients.