What is stroke volume?

Stroke volume is defined as the volume of blood that is ejected from the left ventricle of the heart with each contraction, or beat. This measurement is crucial in understanding cardiac output, which is the total volume of blood the heart pumps per minute. Stroke volume is influenced by several factors, including the heart's contractility, the volume of blood returning to the heart (preload), and the resistance against which the heart pumps (afterload).

This concept is fundamental in cardiovascular physiology because it relates directly to how well the heart can supply blood to the rest of the body. A higher stroke volume usually indicates a more efficient heart, capable of delivering adequate blood flow to meet the body’s metabolic needs during various physiological conditions or levels of exertion.