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Cardiovascular mechanics

This model isolates how preload, afterload, and contractility shape one ventricular beat. Read the circulation chapter's discussion of cardiac output, then use the controls to test the relationships rather than memorizing them.

Read the Cardiac Pump chapter

Live model

Cardiac Output & Frank-Starling

Change one ventricular condition and watch the pump respond. Start with preload, then compare what happens when the ventricle faces more afterload or contracts more strongly.

Each control is relative to a baseline of 100%. Heart rate is held at 70 beats/min so the effect of ventricular mechanics stays visible.

Stroke volume

105 mL

Cardiac output

7.3 L/min

Ejection fraction

66%

MAP

87 mmHg

One-beat volume loop

Simplified ventricular volumes

70 bpm
ejectfillfilledeject
ESV 55 mLEDV 160 mL

Estimated oxygen delivery

1470 mL/min

Read the change

Move a control to see which part of the beat changes first.

Teaching model, not a clinical calculator. The relationships are intentionally simplified to make the mechanics visible: cardiac output = stroke volume × heart rate.