Cardiac output is defined as what?

Cardiac output is defined as the amount of blood that the heart pumps in one minute, making the correct answer focus on the relationship between heart rate and stroke volume. It is a crucial measure in assessing the efficiency of the cardiovascular system, particularly during various levels of activity. Cardiac output can be influenced by both the heart rate (the number of beats per minute) and the stroke volume (the amount of blood pumped with each heartbeat).

Understanding cardiac output helps in evaluating how well the heart is functioning and how effectively it is delivering oxygen to the muscles and organs. During exercise, for example, an increase in cardiac output is essential to meet the heightened demands of the body. This concept is a vital part of understanding cardiovascular physiology for athletic training and performance.