How is cardiac output calculated in neonates?

The calculation of cardiac output in neonates is based on the relationship between heart rate and stroke volume. Cardiac output is defined as the amount of blood the heart pumps per minute. It is influenced by both the heart rate, which is the number of heartbeats in one minute, and stroke volume, which is the amount of blood ejected from the heart with each beat.

By multiplying heart rate by stroke volume, you get the total volume of blood being pumped by the heart in one minute. This relationship is particularly important in neonates, as their physiological responses and hemodynamics differ from older children and adults.

Understanding this concept is essential in neonatal intensive care, as it helps healthcare providers gauge the effectiveness of the heart's pumping ability and assess the overall cardiovascular health of a neonate.