[Pulse pressure and pulse rate as indices of cardiac output].

Abstract : If cardiac output could not be measured directly, it might be inferred from vital signs readily obtained clinically. The present study is an attempt to see whether such an estimation is possible. The Cardiac output per minute (C. O(m)) is obtained by Stroke volume (ml) X Heart rate (per minute). The heart rate could be obtained readily. Thus if the variation of Stroke volume (s.v.) could be estimated, then the variation of cardiac output per minute (C. O(m)) will be estimated. While exact statements cannot be made on the changes in stroke volume unless one knows the extensibility and calibre of the blood vessel, one can obtain the expected change of stroke volume from the age-specific degree of vascular extensibility derived statistically.