Cant find an appropriate fluids equation

ben.herbener

Hi guys this is my first post on here, and I like the look of it so far. I've tried to look everywhere for an approprate equation for this question but I cant come up with one, or maybe Im overlooking something.

What is the minimum power (W) required to pump blood in the human body? Assume a total average pressure rise across the heart of 120 mm Hg.
Given: 80 beats per minute, stroke volume of 70ml, volumetric output is 336 liters per hour.

Thanks,
Ben

Physics Monkey

Hi Ben,

Welcome to Physics Forums! It is our policy not to simply give out the answer, but I will give you a good page to help you get started: http://www.rwc.uc.edu/koehler/biophys/3a.html

Let me know if you have any more questions.

ben.herbener

Thank you very much for that link it was very helpful. I didn't expect a straight out answer, I was just quoting the problem exactly.

I got 1.49 watts, which sounds about right.


Thanks,
Ben