How does heart rate, stroke volume, and cardiac output in children generally compare?

The comparison of heart rate, stroke volume, and cardiac output in children is indeed characterized by a higher heart rate, a lower stroke volume, and therefore a higher cardiac output.

In children, the resting heart rate is typically elevated compared to adults due to their higher metabolic rate and the ongoing demands of growth and development. Even though stroke volume— the amount of blood ejected by the heart with each beat—is generally lower in children than in adults, the increased heart rate compensates for this, leading to an overall higher cardiac output. Cardiac output, the total volume of blood the heart pumps per minute, is calculated as the product of heart rate and stroke volume.

Thus, while stroke volume may not be as pronounced in children, the elevated heart rate ensures that cardiac output remains adequate to meet their physiological needs during both rest and physical activity. This physiological adaptation is vital for ensuring that oxygen and nutrients are delivered effectively to growing tissues.