Which of the following statements regarding stroke volume is TRUE?
Stroke volume = cardiac output/hea rate, i.e it is inversely propoional to hea rate. As a result when hea rate increases the stroke volume decreases. This reduction in stroke volume at high hea rates is due to a decrease in the length of time the hea spends in diastole and thus a reduction in time available to the hea for filling. Stroke volume refers to quantity of blood ejected with each hea stroke. According to Starling's law of hea, stroke volume is determined primarily by the preload. As the preload increases, stroke volume also increases until it reaches a plateau. Stroke volume can also be increased by sympathetic stimulation of the hea. Ref: Physiology Secrets By Hershel Raff, 2nd edn, page 74
Decreases by increase in hea rate
Determined by pre-diastolic volume
Determined by afterload
Is equal to cardiac output