#268 Frank Starling Curve and Cardiac Output - Cardiac Physiology Masterclass

WhiteBoard Medicine - Emergency And Critical Care · May 24, 2026 · 49m

The Frank-Starling curve is one of the most important concepts in cardiac physiology—and one of the most clinically useful in critical care. In this episode, we break down the Frank-Starling relationship and connect it directly to cardiac output, so you can understand how preload affects stroke volume and how this translates to real bedside decision-making. We cover: What the Frank-Starling curve represents How preload affects stroke volume and cardiac output The relationship between venous return, ventricular stretch, and contractility How to identify the steep vs plateau portions of the…