Tag: cardiac output
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What is a Vasovagal Syncope response?
Vasovagal syncope, also known as neurocardiogenic syncope or reflex syncope, is the most common cause of fainting, accounting for approximately 50% of all syncopal episodes. It occurs when there is a sudden drop in blood pressure and heart rate, causing a temporary loss of consciousness. This condition is typically benign and not associated with any…
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What is extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO)?
Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a life-saving medical technique that provides temporary respiratory and/or circulatory support to patients with severe respiratory or cardiac failure. This advanced therapy acts as a bridge, allowing the lungs or heart to rest and heal while providing oxygenation and circulation externally. ECMO involves the use of a sophisticated medical device…
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Preload vs Afterload in cardiac function
Preload and afterload are two important factors that affect the function of the heart. Both play crucial roles in determining the function of the heart and the overall efficiency of the circulatory system. Abnormalities in either preload or afterload can have significant implications for cardiac function and overall cardiovascular health. Preload Preload is the amount…
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Cardiac Output – CO = SV x HR
Cardiac Output = Stroke Volume x Heart RateCO = SV x HR Cardiac Output is a measure of the amount of blood pumped by the heart in one minute. It is calculated by multiplying the stroke volume (the amount of blood pumped out of the heart with each beat) by the heart rate (the number…
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Ischemia, Infarction and Necrosis
Ischemia, a lack of blood flow and oxygen to the body’s tissues, is often a precursor to infarction, which is the death of tissue due to a lack of blood flow and oxygen. Prolonged ischemia can lead to cell death and the formation of a necrotic area, which is characterised by the death of cells…
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Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP)
MAP = diastolic pressure + (systolic pressure – diastolic pressure) / 3 Mean arterial pressure (MAP) is a measure of the average blood pressure in a patients arteries over the course of a cardiac cycle, which is one complete heartbeat. It is calculated by taking into account both the systolic and diastolic blood pressures. During…