Problem: Cardiac Performance Match the atherosclerotic condition to the correct definition. Definitions 1) Stretching of the cardiac muscle cells before contraction 2) Force against the heart or "load" the heart must pump against 3) Strength of the heart muscle to contract 4) Amount of blood ejected during systole. 5) Heart rate (HR) times stroke volume (SV); reported in liters per minute. Atherosclerotic Conditions Affecting Cardiac Performance a) Afterload b) Cardiac output (CO) c) Contractility d) Preload e) Stroke volume (SV). Need Assignment Help?