What is the Difference Between Cardiac Cycle and Cardiac Output?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚The cardiac cycle and cardiac output are two distinct concepts related to the functioning of the heart. Here are the key differences between them:
- Cardiac Cycle: This refers to the sequence of events occurring within the heart from the beginning of one heartbeat to the end of the next. It comprises three stages: atrial systole, ventricular systole, and complete cardiac diastole. The cardiac cycle typically lasts for 0.8 seconds.
- Cardiac Output: This is the volume of blood pumped by the heart each minute. It is calculated as the product of heart rate (HR) and stroke volume (SV). Cardiac output is an indicator of the heart's ability to provide oxygen and nutrients to the body's tissues. In a healthy adult, cardiac output is typically around 5 liters per minute.
In summary, the cardiac cycle describes the heart's phases of contraction and relaxation that drive blood flow, while cardiac output measures the amount of blood pumped by the heart per minute. Both concepts are essential for understanding the heart's function and its role in maintaining proper blood circulation and oxygenation of body tissues.
Comparative Table: Cardiac Cycle vs Cardiac Output
The cardiac cycle and cardiac output are two distinct aspects of the heart's function. Here is a table outlining the differences between them:
| Feature | Cardiac Cycle | Cardiac Output |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | The cardiac cycle is the series of events taking place from the beginning of one heartbeat to the end of the next heartbeat. | Cardiac output is the total amount of blood pumped by the heart into circulation per minute. |
| Duration | The cardiac cycle typically lasts for 0.8 seconds. | Cardiac output in a healthy adult is approximately 5 liters per minute. |
| Phases | The cardiac cycle has two major phases: diastole (ventricular filling) and systole (ventricular contraction and ejection). | Cardiac output depends on stroke volume and heart rate. |
| Measurement | The cardiac cycle is not directly measured but can be inferred from the ECG and heart sounds. | Cardiac output can be estimated using various techniques, such as the Fick Principle or the thermodilution method. |
In summary, the cardiac cycle represents the heart's electrical and mechanical activities, while cardiac output is a measure of the heart's pumping capacity. Both are essential for understanding the heart's function and overall cardiovascular health.
- Stroke Volume vs Cardiac Output
- Cardiovascular vs Circulatory System
- Heart Rate vs Pulse Rate
- Systole vs Diastole
- Cycle vs Flow
- Heart Rate vs Blood Pressure
- Cardiac Arrest vs Heart Attack
- Tachycardia vs Bradycardia
- Cardiomyopathy vs Congestive Cardiac Failure
- EKG vs Echocardiogram
- Pulse Rate vs Blood Pressure
- Cardiomegaly vs Cardiomyopathy
- Cardioversion vs Defibrillation
- Cycle vs Period
- Pulmonary vs Systemic Circulation
- Myocardial Infarction vs Cardiac Arrest
- Pulmonary vs Systemic Circuit
- Open Circulatory System vs Closed Circulatory System
- Contractile Myocardium vs Autorhythmic Myocardium