What does cardiac output measure?

Cardiac output refers to the volume of blood that the heart pumps per minute, making it a crucial measure of how effectively the heart is functioning to supply blood to the body. It is determined by multiplying the heart rate (the number of beats per minute) by the stroke volume (the amount of blood ejected with each heartbeat). This metric is vital in assessing the overall health of the cardiovascular system, as it indicates how well oxygen and nutrients are delivered to tissues and how well waste products are removed.

Understanding cardiac output is essential, especially in medical settings, because it helps identify potential heart issues or other systemic conditions that could affect blood flow. It is a fundamental concept in both veterinary and human medicine, emphasizing the heart's role in maintaining circulatory health.