What does cardiac output refer to?

Cardiac output refers to the volume of blood ejected from the heart per minute. This measurement is critical for assessing the efficiency of the heart's pumping action and plays a crucial role in determining the overall effectiveness of the cardiovascular system. Cardiac output is calculated by multiplying the stroke volume (the amount of blood pumped by the heart in one contraction) by the heart rate (the number of heartbeats per minute). This means that if either the stroke volume or the heart rate increases, the cardiac output will also increase, which can enhance oxygen delivery to the tissues and support bodily functions.

Understanding cardiac output is essential for paramedics and healthcare providers, as it helps in evaluating a patient’s circulatory status, guiding treatment decisions, and monitoring responses to interventions in various emergency situations. This concept is fundamental in critical care and emergency medicine, where maintaining adequate blood flow to organs is vital for survival.