Infants and small children
compensate for low
cardiac output by
increasing their heart
rates.
Stroke Volume
Preload
Preload is basically the amount of
fluid (BLOOD) available in the heart for
pumping. The volume can be estimated
by inserting a pressure monitor (CVP)
in the right atrium in the ICU setting.
Afterload
Afterload: think of RESISTANCE...
The heart is less effective if
there's too much pressure in the
body or the lungs.
Contractility
Contractility refers to how strong the cardiac muscle contracts.
Infants and small children do not have enough muscle mass to
pump harder, so if their heart rate drops, their cardiac output drops!•