How is cardiac output calculated?

Cardiac output is a critical measure in understanding how well the heart is functioning in pumping blood throughout the body. The formula for calculating cardiac output is derived from two key components: stroke volume and heart rate.

Stroke volume refers to the amount of blood ejected by the heart with each beat, while heart rate is the number of beats per minute. To find the cardiac output, these two factors are multiplied together. Therefore, the correct method for calculating cardiac output is by multiplying stroke volume by heart rate. This calculation gives a comprehensive view of the volume of blood the heart pumps in one minute, which is essential for assessing cardiovascular efficiency and overall health.

Other approaches presented in the choices do not accurately represent the calculation needed for cardiac output, as they either involve incorrect operations or arrangements that do not align with the standard medical definition.