What does the term “stroke volume” refer to?

Stroke volume refers to the amount of blood that is ejected from the heart with each contraction or beat. It is a critical parameter in cardiovascular physiology as it reflects the heart's efficiency in delivering blood to the body. A higher stroke volume indicates that the heart is pumping a larger volume of blood with each beat, which can enhance overall circulation and oxygen delivery to tissues.

Understanding stroke volume is key to managing various health conditions, particularly those related to heart function. It is influenced by factors such as heart rate, preload, afterload, and myocardial contractility. By measuring stroke volume, veterinarians can assess cardiovascular health and diagnose potential abnormalities in heart function.