The Frank-Starling curve is one of the most important concepts in cardiac physiology—and one of the most clinically useful in critical care. In this episode, we break down the Frank-Starling relationship and connect it directly to cardiac output, so you can understand how preload affects stroke volume and how this translates to real bedside decision-making. We cover: What the Frank-Starling curve represents How preload affects stroke volume and cardiac output The relationship between venous return, ventricular stretch, and contractility How to identify the steep vs plateau portions of the curve What fluid responsiveness actually means Clinical applications in shock, heart failure, and critical illness Whether you’re managing hypotension, shock, or complex hemodynamics, this episode provides a clear framework to understand preload responsiveness and optimize perfusion in real time. 🎥 Watch the full video version here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eEWGl7OGKaM 📚 Download the full study guide + access our complete emergency critical care curriculum: https://www.patreon.com/c/WhiteBoardMedicine Our Patreon includes: • Study guides for every video • Mini-courses (ventilation, shock, RRT & more) • Practice questions • Ad-free videos • A structured ICU curriculum Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Clinical decisions should be made by licensed healthcare professionals using their clinical judgment, institutional protocols, and current evidence. Whiteboard Medicine assumes no responsibility for clinical outcomes.

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