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Cardiac output is defined as the volume of blood the heart pumps per minute. It is determined by the product of two key cardiovascular parameters: stroke volume and heart rate. Stroke volume refers to the amount of blood ejected from the heart with each heartbeat, while heart rate indicates how many times the heart beats in one minute. When you multiply the stroke volume by the heart rate, you get the total volume of blood pumped by the heart in a minute, which is the cardiac output.

This understanding highlights the importance of both stroke volume and heart rate in determining overall cardiac function. If either parameter increases, the cardiac output will rise, assuming the other stays constant. This relationship is essential for maintaining adequate blood flow to meet the metabolic demands of tissues, particularly during exercise or stress when the body requires more oxygen and nutrients.