Which term describes the volume of blood the heart pumps in one minute?

The term that describes the volume of blood the heart pumps in one minute is cardiac output. Cardiac output is a crucial measurement in cardiology, representing how well the heart is functioning. It is determined by two key factors: the stroke volume (the amount of blood ejected with each heartbeat) and the heart rate (the number of heartbeats per minute). Therefore, cardiac output can be calculated using the formula: cardiac output = stroke volume × heart rate. This metric is vital for assessing the efficiency of the heart and the overall circulatory system's status.

Understanding cardiac output is essential for EMTs and healthcare providers, as it helps them evaluate a patient’s hemodynamic stability, especially in emergencies or situations of cardiac compromise. Monitoring changes in cardiac output can guide treatment decisions and provide insight into a patient's condition.