what is end systolic volume

End systolic volume (ESV) is the amount of blood left in a ventricle after it finishes contracting, right before it starts filling again. It is the lowest volume in the ventricle during the cardiac cycle, and it helps doctors assess how well the heart is pumping.

Quick Scoop

• What it means: blood remaining in the ventricle at the end of systole, the heart’s contraction phase.

• Why it matters: a higher ESV can suggest the heart is not emptying as effectively, which can reflect reduced systolic function.

• Related terms:
  • EDV = end diastolic volume, the amount before contraction.
  • Stroke volume = EDV minus ESV.

Simple example

If a ventricle holds 120 mL before contraction and 50 mL remains afterward, then the stroke volume is 70 mL. That is the blood actually pumped out in that beat.

Typical context

For the left ventricle, ESV is often cited around 40–50 mL in adults, though normal values vary by person and measurement method.

If you want, I can also explain end diastolic volume , stroke volume , and ejection fraction together in one simple diagram-style explanation.