cardiac power output
Mathematical measure of heart's mechanical work capacity, calculated from cardiac output and mean arterial pressure.
Full Definition
A quantitative measure of the heart's mechanical work capacity, calculated as the product of cardiac output and mean arterial pressure, typically expressed in watts. In sports cardiology, cardiac power output provides insight into the heart's ability to generate mechanical work and is considered a strong predictor of exercise capacity and cardiovascular outcomes. It represents the rate of hydraulic energy production by the left ventricle and can be measured non-invasively during exercise testing. Elite endurance athletes typically demonstrate higher cardiac power output values compared to sedentary individuals.
Usage
Usage note: Units typically expressed in watts; useful for exercise capacity assessment.
In Context
- "The cyclist's cardiac power output peaked at 6.8 watts during maximal exercise testing." — Exercise physiology report
- "Cardiac power output measurement provided additional insights beyond standard ejection fraction assessment." — Clinical evaluation