Ace the AFAA Personal Trainer Test 2025 – Pump Up Your Certification Power!

Cardiac output refers to the volume of blood the heart pumps per minute and is a crucial indicator of cardiovascular health and efficiency. The relationship between stroke volume and cardiac output is defined mathematically: cardiac output is calculated as the product of heart rate (the number of heartbeats per minute) and stroke volume (the amount of blood pumped by the heart with each beat).

This means that if either the heart rate or stroke volume increases, the cardiac output will also increase, assuming the other variable remains constant. This relationship is fundamental to understanding how the heart responds to changes in exercise intensity and overall cardiac health. Thus, understanding this equation is critical for personal trainers who need to assess and develop effective cardiovascular programs for their clients.

The other options suggest incorrect relationships between stroke volume and cardiac output, failing to capture this direct and essential connection.