What does the equation stroke volume (SV) x heart rate (HR) calculate?

The equation that multiplies stroke volume (SV) by heart rate (HR) calculates cardiac output (CO). Cardiac output is a crucial metric that indicates the volume of blood the heart pumps per minute, essentially reflecting the efficiency of the heart in delivering oxygen-rich blood to the body's tissues. Stroke volume is the amount of blood ejected from the heart with each heartbeat, while heart rate is the number of beats per minute. By multiplying these two values, you can determine how much blood is being circulated throughout the body in one minute.

Cardiac output is integral in assessing the cardiovascular health and performance under different physiological conditions, such as exercise or rest. This calculation helps healthcare professionals understand how well the heart is functioning and can influence treatment decisions in various emergencies or medical situations.