How is cardiac output calculated?

Cardiac output is a crucial measure in cardiovascular physiology, representing the volume of blood the heart pumps per minute. It is calculated using the formula that multiplies heart rate by stroke volume. Heart rate refers to the number of heartbeats per minute, while stroke volume is the amount of blood ejected by the heart with each contraction.

By multiplying these two factors, you can determine the total volume of blood being transmitted throughout the body in one minute. This calculation reflects the heart's efficiency and overall cardiovascular performance.

In contrast to other options, adding or subtracting stroke volume from heart rate does not yield meaningful information about blood flow, as these values are not directly additive or subtractive in physiological terms. Dividing heart rate by stroke volume also does not reflect a relevant physiological parameter concerning blood circulation. Thus, the multiplication of heart rate and stroke volume is the correct method for ascertaining cardiac output.