Cardiac Output is the amount of blood the heart pumps in one minute. It is a crucial measure of heart function and overall health. Cardiac output is calculated by multiplying the heart rate (the number of beats per minute) by the stroke volume (the amount of blood pumped with each beat).
A normal cardiac output for a healthy adult at rest is typically between 4 to 8 liters per minute. Factors such as exercise, stress, and body position can influence cardiac output. Monitoring cardiac output helps healthcare professionals assess heart performance and detect potential issues.