Understanding Hemodynamics in Heart Failure Management

A 70-year-old patient is admitted to the cardiac unit with symptoms of heart failure. Upon assessment, the nurse notes a blood pressure of 130/90 mmHg and a heart rate of 98 beats per minute. The physician orders a medication that aims to decrease preload and improve cardiac output. The nurse knows that one key hemodynamic parameter to monitor is the patient's ____________, which directly impacts myocardial oxygen demand and can indicate the effectiveness of treatment.