Iskutilavuudesta

Iskutilavuudesta is a Finnish term that translates to "stroke volume" in English. It refers to the amount of blood pumped out by the left ventricle of the heart during one contraction. This is a fundamental measurement in cardiovascular physiology and is a key indicator of heart function.

Stroke volume is influenced by several factors, including the preload (the amount of blood filling the ventricle before contraction), afterload (the resistance the ventricle must overcome to eject blood), and the contractility of the heart muscle itself. A healthy adult heart typically has a stroke volume of around 70-100 milliliters per beat.

Changes in stroke volume can signify various health conditions. For instance, a reduced stroke volume can be a sign of heart failure, where the heart is unable to pump blood effectively. Conversely, conditions like hyperthyroidism can sometimes lead to an increased stroke volume.

The concept of stroke volume is crucial for understanding cardiac output, which is the total amount of blood pumped by the heart per minute. Cardiac output is calculated by multiplying stroke volume by the heart rate. Therefore, maintaining a healthy stroke volume is essential for delivering adequate oxygen and nutrients to the body's tissues and organs. Medical professionals use measurements of stroke volume in various diagnostic tests to assess a patient's cardiovascular health.