AFAA Personal Trainer Certification Practice Exam

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What typically affects cardiac output?

Only the heart rate
Only the stroke volume
Both heart rate and stroke volume
Neither heart rate nor stroke volume

The correct answer is: Both heart rate and stroke volume

Cardiac output is defined as the volume of blood the heart pumps per minute and is influenced by two main factors: heart rate and stroke volume. Heart rate refers to the number of beats per minute, while stroke volume indicates the amount of blood ejected by the heart with each beat. The relationship can be summarized with the formula: Cardiac Output = Heart Rate x Stroke Volume. When either the heart rate increases or the stroke volume increases, cardiac output will also increase, which enhances the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the body’s tissues during physical exertion. Conversely, during rest, a lower heart rate and stroke volume can decrease cardiac output as the body's demands are lower. Understanding this relationship is crucial for personal trainers when developing exercise programs that aim to improve cardiovascular fitness and overall health.