#263 Cardiac Output Explained: From Physiology to Cardiogenic Shock Diagnosis & Management

WhiteBoard Medicine - Emergency And Critical Care · May 14, 2026 · 1h 11m

Cardiac output is one of the most important—and most misunderstood—concepts in critical care. In this episode, we break down cardiac output from first principles and connect it directly to cardiogenic shock, so you can understand not just the numbers—but how to apply them at the bedside. We cover: The cardiac output equation (CO = HR × SV) and what it actually means How preload, contractility, and afterload determine stroke volume The Frank-Starling relationship and fluid responsiveness The Fick equation and how cardiac output can be measured How cardiac output fails in cardiogenic shock…