Definition
noun
(1) A curve that show the contractility change in an intact heart.
(2) A graph to show the relationship (or ratio) between the atrial pressure (plotted along the x-axis) and the cardiac output or stroke volume (plotted along the y-axis).
Supplement
This graphical representation indicates that the more blood is returned to the heart, the more blood is pumped from it without the extrinsic signals.
Synonyms:
- cardiac function curve
- Frank-Starling curve