What does stroke volume measure?

Stroke volume specifically measures the volume of blood that is ejected from the left ventricle of the heart with each heartbeat. This measurement is crucial in assessing cardiovascular health and function because the left ventricle is responsible for pumping oxygenated blood into the aorta and subsequently throughout the body. Understanding stroke volume allows healthcare professionals to evaluate the heart's efficiency and overall performance in delivering blood to vital organs.

Measuring stroke volume is particularly important in various clinical settings, as it can influence decisions on treatment and interventions for patients with heart conditions or those in critical care situations. Assessing the stroke volume can provide insight into conditions such as heart failure, where the volume may be decreased, or in cases of hypertensive heart disease, where it may be affected by various hemodynamic changes.