have an account?【sign in】define cardiac output in pharmacy:Defining Cardiac Output in Pharmacy and its Role in Drug Delivery
diandraauthorDefining Cardiac Output in Pharmacy: Its Role in Drug Delivery
Cardiac output (CO) is a crucial parameter in understanding the circulatory system and its role in drug delivery. It is the amount of blood pumped by the heart per unit time and is an essential indicator of overall body functioning. In this article, we will define cardiac output in pharmacy and discuss its importance in drug delivery and patient monitoring.
Definition of Cardiac Output
Cardiac output is the volume of blood pumped by the heart per unit time. It is expressed as liters per minute (L/min) and is calculated using the following formula:
CO = (SV × GFR) / 3.6
Where,
CO = cardiac output (L/min)
SV = stroke volume (L)
GFR = glomerular filtration rate (L/min)
Stroke Volume and Glomerular Filtration Rate
Stroke volume (SV) is the volume of blood ejected from the left ventricle during each heart beat. It is usually expressed in liters (L) and is influenced by factors such as age, gender, and physical activity. Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is the rate at which blood passes through the kidney's glomeruli and is removed from the bloodstream. It is expressed in liters per minute (L/min) and is influenced by factors such as age, gender, and renal function.
Role of Cardiac Output in Drug Delivery
1. Dosage Adjustment: The correct dosage of a drug is crucial for effective treatment. Cardiac output plays a significant role in determining the dosage required, as it influences the distribution of drugs throughout the body. Therefore, pharmacists need to be aware of the relationship between cardiac output and drug dosage, and adjust the dosage accordingly.
2. Patient Monitoring: Cardiac output monitoring is essential for patients with heart disease or renal impairment, as it helps in assessing the effectiveness of treatment and identifying potential complications. Pharmacists should be familiar with the techniques and equipment used for cardiac output monitoring and be prepared to provide support and advice to patients and healthcare professionals.
3. Drug Interactions: Cardiac output can be affected by several factors, including drug interactions. Pharmacists need to be aware of potential interactions between drugs and their impact on cardiac output, to ensure safe and effective drug delivery.
4. Drug Design: The design of new drugs is influenced by their effects on cardiac output. Pharmacists should be aware of the potential effects of new drugs on cardiac output and be able to provide feedback to drug developers and regulatory agencies.
Cardiac output is an essential parameter in understanding the circulatory system and its role in drug delivery. Pharmacists need to be familiar with its definition, measurement, and impact on drug delivery to ensure safe and effective treatment for patients. By understanding the relationship between cardiac output and drug delivery, pharmacists can provide valuable support and advice to patients and healthcare professionals.