Factors That Will Increase Cardiac Output

Cardiac output measures the heart's ability to pump blood to the rest of the body. Physical and physiological factors affect cardiac output. Lifestyle, diet choices, fitness level, genetics, electrolyte balance and medications subtract or add to the cardiac output index. Knowing factors that increase cardiac output may contribute to overall cardiac health by identifying best health practices.

Healthy Diet and Fitness Plan

Diet and fitness work together to increase cardiac output. A healthy diet centered on preventing coronary artery disease promotes a healthy blood supply free from a lot of fat. Low-fat diets prevent plaque from building up in the arteries, causing blockages and restricting blood flow to the heart. Without a good supply of oxygen, the heart muscle becomes weak and cannot maintain the optimal level of functioning, nor can it become stronger with exercise, which will increase output.

A strong heart muscle, built by regular cardio exercise, increases in size just as every other muscle in the body does when challenged in fitness activities. Aerobic exercise increases the oxygen level and brings more fresh blood to the heart, thereby increasing cardiac output. Blood volume also increases with regular exercise, according to "Pathophysiology: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses."

Electrolyte Balance

A proper balance of electrolytes helps maintain proper cardiac output; however, when the calcium, sodium and potassium levels rise, cardiac output can increase. Unfortunately, imbalances in electrolytes can also cause irregular heart rhythms. Increasing intake of electrolytes to increase cardiac output may be counterproductive to normal heart rhythms. Check with a doctor before taking electrolyte supplements.

Compensation Mechanisms

A sudden drop in blood volume, perhaps resulting from an injury, can increase cardiac output as the heart tries to compensate for reduced blood volume. As the body demands oxygen from a decreased blood supply, the heart will try to compensate by pumping faster and harder.

A quick drop in blood pressure will also increase cardiac output, according to the University of Washington. Blood pressure can drop as a result of blood loss or standing up too quickly. As the heart tries to compensate, once again, for a decreased oxygen level, the heart increases its output.

Medications

Medications prescribed to specifically increase stroke volume, one of the components of cardiac output, will raise output levels. These medications, prescribed to patients who have demonstrated through diagnostic testing to have a low cardiac output, will also increase a patient's energy level once the medications achieve full effect, according to "Pathophysiology."