What could be a consequence of a Cardiac Index greater than the normal range?

A Cardiac Index greater than the normal range indicates that the heart is pumping more blood relative to body surface area than normally expected. While improved oxygen delivery to tissues might seem like a potential benefit, an excessively high cardiac output can lead to an increased workload on the heart. This is because the heart must work harder to maintain the elevated levels of blood flow, which can strain the myocardium over time.

Increased workload on the heart can lead to several negative consequences, including the risk of developing heart failure or other cardiovascular conditions as the heart struggles to meet this heightened demand. It can also lead to increased oxygen consumption by the heart muscle itself, further complicating its efficiency.

Conversely, options such as lower risk of cardiovascular disease and reduced heart rate are not aligned with the implications of a high Cardiac Index. Typically, a high Cardiac Index would not lower cardiovascular disease risk; rather, it may indicate underlying conditions that could pose a risk. Similarly, a higher Cardiac Index does not directly correlate with a lower heart rate; instead, an increased cardiac output may often be accompanied by other physiological changes, including potential compensatory mechanisms like increased heart rate.