This Mean Arterial Pressure Calculator finds the average arterial blood pressure throughout a single cardiac cycle. The Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP) is derived from a patient’s systolic and diastolic blood pressure values.
Mean Arterial Pressure Formula
Mean arterial pressure (MAP) is influenced by cardiac output and systemic vascular resistance. Cardiac output is calculated as the product of heart rate and stroke volume. Systemic vascular resistance is determined primarily by the radius of the blood vessels. Blood viscosity also affects systemic vascular resistance.
True MAP can only be determined by invasive monitoring and complex calculations. However it can also be calculated using a formula if the systolic blood pressure and the diastolic blood pressure are known.
To estimate the MAP the following formula is commonly used:
where DP is the diastolic blood pressure, SP is the systolic blood pressure.
This method is often more convenient for measuring MAP in most clinical settings because it offers a quick means of calculation if the blood pressure is known.
Mean arterial pressure is often used as a surrogate indicator of blood flow and believed to be a better indicator of tissue perfusion than systolic blood pressure as it accounts for the fact that two thirds of the cardiac cycle are spent in diastole.
A MAP of 60 mmHg or greater is believed to be needed to maintain adequate tissue and vital organs perfusion. If mean arterial pressure falls below this point for an extended period of time, target organ manifestations such as ischemia and infarction may occur. If the MAP drops significantly, blood will not be able to perfuse cerebral tissues, there will be a loss of consciousness, and neuronal death will quickly ensue.
The body has several protective mechanisms to regulate MAP and ensure that a sufficient level of perfusion is maintained for the function of all organs.
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Disclaimer. Please remember that this calculator is not a substitute for clinical judgment. In case of any concerns please consult your physician to address your specific health problem.