1. What is Cardiac Output?

Cardiac output (Q) is the volume of blood the heart pumps per minute. It's a crucial measure of cardiovascular function, calculated as the product of stroke volume (SV) and heart rate (HR).

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the cardiac output equation:

Where:

• \( Q \) — Cardiac output (L/min)
• \( SV \) — Stroke volume (mL)
• \( HR \) — Heart rate (beats per minute)

Explanation: The equation shows that cardiac output depends on both how much blood is pumped with each beat (stroke volume) and how many beats occur per minute (heart rate).

3. Importance of Cardiac Output Calculation

Details: Cardiac output is fundamental in assessing heart function, determining oxygen delivery to tissues, and evaluating circulatory efficiency in both healthy individuals and patients with cardiovascular disease.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter stroke volume in milliliters (mL) and heart rate in beats per minute (bpm). All values must be valid (SV > 0, HR > 0).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a normal cardiac output?
A: Normal cardiac output ranges from 4-8 L/min in adults at rest, but varies with body size and metabolic demands.

Q2: How does exercise affect cardiac output?
A: During exercise, cardiac output can increase 4-5 times resting values due to increased heart rate and stroke volume.

Q3: What factors affect stroke volume?
A: Stroke volume is influenced by preload, afterload, and myocardial contractility.

Q4: Are there limitations to this calculation?
A: This simple formula doesn't account for variations in ventricular function, valvular disease, or dynamic changes in cardiovascular physiology.

Q5: How is cardiac output measured clinically?
A: While this calculator provides an estimate, clinical measurement may use techniques like thermodilution, Fick method, or echocardiography.