Question

Which of the following would result in a larger end systolic volume?

Select one:

a. increased heart rate

b. increased stroke volume

c. increased end diastolic volume

d. decreased end diastolic volume

e. decreased force of contraction

Answer 1

The correct option is e (decreased force of contraction).

• End-systolic volume (ESV) is the volume of blood in a ventricle at the end of the contraction, or systole, and the beginning of filling, or diastole.
• Decreased force of contraction leads to a greater amount of blood retained in the ventricle, hence larger end-systolic volume.
• End diastolic volume doesn't decide end-systolic volume.
• Increased heart rate and stroke volume will lead to reduced end-diastolic volume.