High cardiac output refers to the volume of blood pumped by the heart per minute, which exceeds the normal range or average values. The heart's main function is to circulate oxygenated blood to the body's organs and tissues, and a high cardiac output indicates an increased delivery of blood and oxygen throughout the body.
Cardiac output is determined by two factors: heart rate and stroke volume. Heart rate refers to the number of times the heart beats per minute, while stroke volume refers to the amount of blood ejected from the heart with each beat. High cardiac output can be a result of both an increased heart rate and an increased stroke volume.
There are various physiological and pathological conditions that can lead to high cardiac outputs. During intense physical activity or exercise, the body's demand for oxygen and nutrients increases, and the heart responds by increasing its output to meet these demands. This increase in cardiac output is temporary and occurs in a healthy individual without any underlying cardiovascular condition.
However, high cardiac output may also be associated with certain medical conditions such as anemia, hyperthyroidism, arteriovenous fistulas, or congenital heart diseases. These conditions can cause persistent elevations in heart rate or stroke volume, leading to a sustained increase in cardiac output.
In summary, high cardiac output refers to an excessive amount of blood pumped by the heart per minute. It can occur due to temporary physiological responses during physical activity or as a result of various medical conditions. Understanding and monitoring cardiac output is crucial for diagnosing and managing a wide range of cardiovascular disorders.
