Cant find an appropriate fluids equation

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SUMMARY

The minimum power required to pump blood in the human body, given a total average pressure rise across the heart of 120 mm Hg, is calculated to be 1.49 watts. This calculation is based on a heart rate of 80 beats per minute and a stroke volume of 70 ml, resulting in a volumetric output of 336 liters per hour. The discussion emphasizes the importance of understanding fluid dynamics in biological systems, particularly in relation to cardiovascular physiology.

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ben.herbener
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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 can't come up with one, or maybe I am 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
 
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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.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
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
 

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