What is stroke volume?

Stroke volume refers to the amount of blood ejected by the left ventricle of the heart during one contraction or heartbeat. It is a crucial measurement in understanding cardiac function, as it directly influences the amount of blood circulated throughout the body with each heartbeat.

When the heart contracts, specifically during the systolic phase, the left ventricle pushes blood into the aorta, which then supplies oxygenated blood to the rest of the body. This measurement can be impacted by various factors, such as the strength of the heart muscle, the volume of blood returning to the heart, and the resistance in the blood vessels.

Assessing stroke volume is vital for understanding cardiovascular health and performance, especially in fitness and exercise settings. It helps in determining cardiac output when considered alongside heart rate, which is the number of heartbeats per minute. Therefore, a higher stroke volume, particularly during exercise, generally indicates a more efficient cardiovascular system, supporting better performance and endurance.