How is stroke volume defined?

Stroke volume is specifically defined as the amount of blood ejected from the heart during one contraction of the ventricles, typically measured in milliliters. This measurement is critical in understanding the efficiency and effectiveness of the heart's pumping ability. Stroke volume is influenced by several factors, including the volume of blood returning to the heart, the strength of the heart's contractions, and the resistance the heart faces when pumping blood.

Understanding stroke volume is essential in the context of cardiovascular health, as it is a key component of cardiac output, which is determined by multiplying stroke volume by heart rate. This highlights the importance of stroke volume in the overall assessment of a patient's cardiovascular status.