What is the formula for cardiac output (Q)?

Cardiac output (Q) is a vital measure in cardiovascular physiology, defined as the amount of blood the heart pumps in one minute. The formula for calculating cardiac output is the product of heart rate (HR) and stroke volume (SV). Heart rate refers to the number of heartbeats per minute, while stroke volume is the volume of blood pumped from the left ventricle with each heartbeat.

By multiplying these two components, you obtain the total volume of blood that is circulated by the heart in a given time frame, which provides a comprehensive picture of how well the heart is functioning in relation to the body's needs. This equation highlights how both heart rate and stroke volume contribute to the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the cardiovascular system during different levels of physical activity.

The other choices do not accurately represent the relationship between heart rate and stroke volume in determining cardiac output. For instance, adding stroke volume and heart rate does not yield a meaningful cardiovascular measure, nor does dividing one by the other. The last option provides a specific value for milliliters instead of the generalized relationship needed for calculating cardiac output. Understanding this formula is crucial for professionals in fitness and health fields, as it directly relates to assessing aerobic capacity and cardiac efficiency.