What is the term for the volume of blood pumped by the heart in one minute?

The volume of blood pumped by the heart in one minute is known as cardiac output. This is a crucial metric in understanding the efficiency and performance of the cardiovascular system. Cardiac output is calculated by multiplying stroke volume, which is the amount of blood ejected by the heart in one contraction, by the heart rate, which is the number of beats per minute.

Cardiac output reflects how well the heart is meeting the body's demand for blood and oxygen during rest or physical activity. It is an essential parameter in various clinical scenarios, helping to assess heart function and guide treatment in conditions such as heart failure, shock, and other cardiovascular diseases.

Understanding this concept is important in evaluating a patient's cardiovascular health, as alterations in cardiac output can indicate underlying problems and prompt further investigation or intervention.