What does an increase in stroke volume typically indicate in a cardiac exam?

An increase in stroke volume typically indicates improved cardiac efficiency because it suggests that the heart is pumping a greater volume of blood with each contraction. This can be a sign that the heart muscle is functioning effectively, possibly due to increased venous return, enhanced contractility, or decreased systemic vascular resistance. When stroke volume is elevated, the heart can maintain or increase cardiac output without necessarily increasing the heart rate, which is another sign of effective cardiac function.

In healthy individuals or well-trained athletes, improved stroke volume enhances overall cardiac performance and can reflect better cardiovascular conditioning. Therefore, observing an increase in stroke volume is a positive finding in a cardiac exam, indicating that the heart is working efficiently.