Cardiac output is a product of which two measurable factors?

Cardiac output refers to the volume of blood that the heart pumps per minute and is calculated by multiplying two critical factors: stroke volume and heart rate. Stroke volume is the amount of blood ejected by the heart with each beat, while heart rate indicates how many times the heart beats per minute. This product provides a straightforward understanding of how efficiently the heart is functioning in terms of blood circulation throughout the body.

The relationship between these two variables highlights the importance of both the volume of blood being pumped and the frequency of pumping, allowing healthcare professionals to assess cardiac efficiency and detect potential cardiovascular issues. This foundational concept is crucial in the monitoring and management of patients, especially in anesthesia and surgical settings.