EXS101 Interactive Reference
Cardiac Output Explorer
Cardiac output is the amount of blood the heart pumps each minute. Change heart rate and stroke volume to see how each contributes to cardiac output.
Change the Variables
Choose an illustrative example or move either slider yourself.
Illustrative examples for comparison — not expected values for every person.
Heart rate = the number of times the heart beats each minute.
Stroke volume = the amount of blood pumped by the heart with each beat.
See the Difference
Heart rate changes how often blood is pumped. Stroke volume changes how much is pumped each time.
Cardiac Output
4.9 L/min
70 beats/min × 70 mL/beat = 4,900 mL/min
What does that number mean?
At 70 beats per minute and 70 mL per beat, the heart pumps approximately 4.9 liters of blood each minute.
Put the Number in Context
This resting example is about 5 L/min. Use the examples above to compare rest and maximal exercise.
Why does cardiac output increase during exercise?
Working muscles have greater metabolic demands. Increasing cardiac output helps deliver more oxygen and nutrients and helps transport metabolic byproducts away from active tissues.
After exercise stops, heart rate and cardiac output move back toward resting levels during recovery.
Cardiac Output = Heart Rate × Stroke Volume
During dynamic exercise, heart rate and stroke volume typically increase from rest. Together, these changes increase cardiac output so the heart can pump more blood each minute.
About This Model
This explorer lets you change heart rate and stroke volume independently to see how each affects cardiac output. It does not predict an individual's cardiovascular response to exercise.
Actual values vary among people and situations. Highly trained endurance athletes often have a lower resting heart rate and a larger stroke volume, while resting cardiac output can remain in a similar range.