Cardiac function curve

The cardiac function curve illustrates the relationship between the volume of blood in the heart (preload) and the amount of blood the heart pumps out (stroke volume or cardiac output). As preload increases, the heart generally pumps more efficiently until it reaches a limit. This curve helps explain how the heart adjusts to different demands, such as exercise or fluid changes. It reflects the heart’s ability to respond to changes in blood volume, maintaining effective circulation across a range of conditions.