Foundations of hemodynamics

Question 1

Preload

Answer 1

• The amount of blood in the ventricles at end diastole
• Measured by a central venous pressure volume device

Question 2

Afterlod

Answer 2

• Resistance that the ventricles must push against with their systolic ejection
• Measured by systemic vascular resistance (SVR)

Question 3

Cardiac output

Answer 3

• Amount of blood pumped in litres per minute
• Normal = 4-8L/min

Question 4

Stroke volume

Answer 4

• Amount of blood pumped with each systolic ejection
• Stroke volume x heart rate = cardiac output

Question 5

Contractility

Answer 5

• Refers to the force of a contraction
• Also known as inotropy