Cardiac reserve is spelled as /ˈkɑːdiˌæk rɪˈzɜːv/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The initial sound is the ‘k’ sound (/k/), followed by the ‘ah’ vowel sound (/ɑː/), then ‘d’ sound (/d/). The next syllable is ‘i’ (/i/), followed by the ‘a’ sound (/æk/), a tapped ‘r’ sound (/ɾ/), then the ‘ih’ vowel sound (/ɪ/). The last two syllables are ‘zur’ (/zɜːv/). Cardiac reserve refers to the amount of blood that the heart can pump beyond its normal output to meet the body’s demands.
Cardiac reserve refers to the ability of the heart to increase its output of blood during periods of increased activity or demand. It is a measure of the heart's capacity to pump more blood than it normally does at rest.
The heart has a certain maximum capacity to deliver oxygenated blood to the tissues of the body. This maximum capacity is influenced by various factors such as heart size, efficiency of contraction, and overall cardiovascular health. However, during exercise, stress, or other situations that require increased blood flow, the heart is capable of increasing its output beyond this normal level. This additional output is known as cardiac reserve.
Cardiac reserve is an important indicator of cardiovascular fitness and health. Individuals with a higher cardiac reserve have a greater ability to meet the demands of physical activity and stress, as their hearts can pump more blood and oxygen to the body's tissues. On the other hand, individuals with a lower cardiac reserve may experience symptoms of fatigue, shortness of breath, or an inability to maintain strenuous activity for extended periods of time.
Cardiac reserve is often assessed by measuring the difference between an individual's resting cardiac output (the amount of blood pumped by the heart in one minute at rest) and their maximum cardiac output during exercise or stress. This measurement provides valuable information about the heart's ability to adapt and respond to increased demands. Increasing cardiac reserve can be achieved through regular exercise, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and managing cardiovascular risk factors.
The word "cardiac" originates from the Greek word "kardia" which means "heart". "Reserve" comes from the Latin word "reservare" meaning "to keep back" or "to preserve".
Together, "cardiac reserve" refers to the ability of the heart to quickly and efficiently increase its function when necessary, particularly during times of stress or exertion. This term is commonly used in the context of cardiovascular medicine to describe the difference between a person's maximum cardiac output and their resting cardiac output.