Cardiac Output Flashcards
1. Main determinants of CO (HR, preload, afterload and contractility) and how to optimize them when CO is inadequate. 2. Factors that interact to determine adequacy of CO.
1
Q
What is Cardiac Output (CO)?
A
A measure of the amount of blood pumped by the heart every minute.
2
Q
What is a key biochemical indication of dangerously low CO?
A
Increased lactic acid levels
3
Q
What is a normal lactate?
A
1.3 -1.5, critical > 2
4
Q
List the only three reasons why you would see a critical reduction in CO.
A
- Severe hypovolemia (hemorrhage or severe dehydration)
- Altered cardiac pump function/critical reduction in myocardial contractility (MI, major arrhythmia, severe valvular disease)
- Major obstruction (cardiac tamponade, PE, tension pneumothorax)
