High cardiac output is a medical term referring to the amount of blood pumped by the heart in a minute. The spelling of this term is rendered as [haɪ kɑrdiæk ˈaʊtpʊt] in IPA phonetic transcription. The first syllable "haɪ" sounds like the word "high," while the second syllable "kɑrdiæk" is pronounced as "car-dee-ak." The stress falls on the second syllable. The final word "ˈaʊtpʊt" sounds like "out-put" with the stress on the first syllable. Medical professionals use this term to diagnose and treat heart-related disorders.
High cardiac output refers to an elevated amount of blood pumped by the heart per minute, indicating an increased rate of circulation throughout the body. This physiological condition is often temporary and generally occurs as a response to various factors, such as exercise or certain medical conditions.
During high cardiac output, the heart muscle contracts more forcefully and at a faster pace than usual to meet the body's increased demand for oxygen and nutrients. Consequently, a larger volume of blood is pumped with each beat, resulting in a higher overall cardiac output. This enhanced circulation helps supply the body with adequate oxygenation and nutrients, facilitating proper functioning of organs and tissues.
Several factors can contribute to high cardiac output, including physical activity, fever, hyperthyroidism, anemia, and certain medications. Engaging in exercise or strenuous activities prompts the body to increase its cardiac output to meet the increased oxygen demands of the muscles. Similarly, fever accelerates the heart rate and increases cardiac output to assist in the regulation of body temperature.
While a temporary increase in cardiac output is a normal physiological adaptation, sustained or excessive high cardiac output may indicate an underlying medical condition. These conditions can range from heart diseases, such as heart failure or abnormal heart valves, to chronic conditions like hyperthyroidism or anemia. Identifying the underlying cause of elevated cardiac output is crucial for appropriate management and treatment to prevent potential complications.