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Cardiac output increases with exercise, this is mainly due to the increase in heart rate (HR), but also stroke volume (SV). remember the formula:

CO = HR * SV

Ventricular End Diastolic Volume (EDV) is maintained until maximal heart rate by a combination of increased atrial contraction and active relaxation of the ventricle. Increased beta agonism causes an increased SV for a given EDV.

At very high heart rates (typically over 180 ish depending on the individual) SV starts to fall due to the inability of the heart to compensate for the reduced diastolic filling time. The heart is also very dependant on atrial contraction, with increased exercise, and if the subject is not in sinus rhythm they will decompensate much sooner.

Athletes have a higher cardiac output mainly due to increased stroke volume.

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14y ago

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