How is cardiac output calculated?

Cardiac output is a key physiological metric that indicates the amount of blood the heart pumps in one minute. It is calculated by multiplying stroke volume, which is the amount of blood ejected by the heart in one contraction, by heart rate, which is the number of heartbeats per minute. This multiplication reflects the total volume of blood that is delivered to the body through the circulatory system within a minute, making it a critical measure for assessing cardiovascular health and fitness levels.

Using stroke volume and heart rate in this manner provides valuable insights into the efficiency of the heart and the body’s ability to meet the demands for oxygen and nutrients during physical activity. The other options do not accurately reflect the formula for cardiac output because they involve incorrect mathematical relationships or components that do not relate to the determination of cardiac output. Understanding this calculation is essential for fitness professionals, as it allows them to monitor changes in cardiovascular performance and adapt training programs accordingly.