What is the term for the amount of blood the heart pumps out in one minute?

The term that describes the amount of blood the heart pumps out in one minute is referred to as cardiac output. Cardiac output is a critical physiological parameter that reflects the efficiency of the heart and the overall blood circulation within the body. It is calculated using the formula: cardiac output equals heart rate (the number of heartbeats per minute) multiplied by stroke volume (the amount of blood ejected by the heart in one contraction).

This measurement is vital for assessing the heart's ability to meet the body's metabolic demands during various states, such as rest, exercise, or in response to illness. Monitoring cardiac output can provide insights into a patient's cardiovascular health and help guide treatment decisions during emergencies or critical care situations.

In contrast, stroke volume measures the amount of blood ejected with each heartbeat, blood pressure represents the force of blood against the walls of the arteries, and cardiac index is a variation of cardiac output that accounts for body surface area, allowing for a more personalized understanding of heart function. Each of these measurements plays a distinct role in cardiovascular assessment, but when it comes to the total volume of blood pumped by the heart in one minute, the appropriate term is cardiac output.