What is stroke volume?

Stroke volume is defined as the volume of blood ejected from the heart with each beat, specifically from the left ventricle during systole. This measurement is crucial in understanding heart function, as it reflects the efficiency of the heart to pump blood and how much oxygenated blood the body receives with each cardiac cycle. Stroke volume is influenced by various factors, including heart size, contractility, venous return, and afterload, and it plays a significant role in determining cardiac output when multiplied by heart rate. This concept is essential for health and fitness professionals as it helps in assessing cardiovascular health and endurance capacity in individuals.