What is the expected cardiac output during intense exercise?

During intense exercise, the body's demand for oxygen and nutrient delivery to tissues increases significantly. Cardiac output, which is the volume of blood the heart pumps per minute, rises to meet this heightened demand. In a healthy adult at rest, cardiac output typically ranges from about 4 to 8 liters per minute. However, during vigorous physical activity, such as intense exercise, cardiac output can dramatically increase.

The expected peak cardiac output during intense exercise can reach up to approximately 25 to 30 liters per minute in well-trained athletes, with some estimates suggesting values can go as high as 35 liters per minute. This is achieved through a combination of increased heart rate and enhanced stroke volume, resulting in efficient blood flow to the muscles in action.

Therefore, a value of 35 L/min accurately reflects what a highly conditioned athlete could achieve during maximal exertion, aligning with physiological adaptations seen with regular training. This level of output is essential to ensure that the body can sustain prolonged periods of effort by optimizing oxygen delivery and carbon dioxide removal.