What is defined as the amount of blood ejected from the heart per minute?

Cardiac output is defined as the amount of blood ejected from the heart per minute, which reflects the overall efficiency and performance of the heart in meeting the body’s circulatory needs. It is calculated by multiplying stroke volume (the amount of blood pumped from the heart with each beat) by heart rate (the number of beats per minute). This measure is crucial in assessing cardiovascular health and fitness, as it shows how effectively the heart can supply oxygenated blood to the muscles and organs during various activities, including rest and exercise.

Understanding cardiac output is fundamental for health and fitness professionals, as it aids in evaluating an individual’s cardiovascular fitness level and determining appropriate exercise intensities. Monitoring cardiac output can also be vital in clinical settings, particularly when managing heart conditions, as it can indicate changes in heart function.

The other terms listed do not define the volume of blood pumped by the heart per minute. Stroke volume focuses solely on the volume per beat, blood pressure relates to the force exerted by circulating blood on the walls of blood vessels, and heart rate pertains to the number of beats rather than the volume of blood ejected. Each of these factors is interrelated but serves a different role in understanding heart function.