Final answer:
Cardiac output is defined as the volume of blood the heart pumps in one minute, calculated by multiplying stroke volume by heart rate. The correct option that defines cardiac output is A. Stroke volume X heart rate.
Step-by-step explanation:
Cardiac Output Definition
Cardiac output can be defined as the volume of blood pumped by the heart in one minute. It is calculated as a product of the heart rate (HR), which is the number of heart contractions per minute, and the stroke volume (SV), which is the amount of blood pumped with each contraction. Therefore, the correct definition of cardiac output is A. Stroke volume X heart rate.
It is important to understand that cardiac output is a critical measure in assessing heart health and function. Factors that affect heart rate or stroke volume will also affect cardiac output, which in turn influences blood pressure and blood flow.