Before understanding how to calculate MAP (mean arterial pressure), it is important to understand what MAP (mean Arterial pressure) is. MAP stands for Mean Arterial Pressure, the average blood pressure in the body during one cardiac cycle. MAP ensures that blood reaches all body organs to function properly.
How to calculate MAP (Mean Arterial Pressure)?
Mean arterial pressure or MAP, can be calculated using these formulas. A true way to calculate MAP (Mean Arterial Pressure) is done through complex calculations. However, we can calculate MAP using the following formulas:
Calculating MAP using systolic and diastolic blood pressure:
Formula
The first formula to calculate MAP is,
MAP = DBP + 1/3 (SBP – DBP)
Mean Arterial Pressure = Diastolic Blood Pressure + 1/3 (Systolic Blood Pressure – Diastolic Blood Pressure)
SBP (Systolic Blood Pressure): pressure in arteries when the heart beats when beating.
DBP (Diastolic Blood Pressure): pressure in arteries when the heart rests when beating.

Example:
Here is an example of MAP calculation. Imagine a patient with SBP of 130 mmHg and DBP of 90 mmHg. This is how to calculate MAP (Mean Arterial Pressure) using SBP and DBP.
MAP = 90 + 1/3 (130 – 90)
= 90 + 1/3 x 40
= 90 + 13.33
MAP = 103.33 mmHg
This indicates that the patient’s MAP is 103.33mmHg.
Calculating MAP (Mean Arterial Pressure) using diastolic pressure and Systolic pressure.
Formula
Another way to calculate MAP is
MAP = SBP +2 (DBP) /3

Example:
Suppose the patient is 84 mm Hg / 50 mm Hg. Calculating MAP is double the diastolic pressure and adding the systolic pressure. Then divide that by 3.
Mean Arterial pressure = 84 + 2 (50) /3
= 84 + 100 / 3
= 184 / 3
MAP = 61.3 mmHg
Calculating MAP using Cardiac Output and Systematic Vascular Resistance
Formula
Another formula used to calculate MAP is cardiac output and systematic vascular resistance.
MAP = (CO X SVR) + CVP
MAP = (Cardiac Output x Systematic Vascular Resistance) + Central Venous Pressure.
CO (Cardiac Output): Amount of blood per minute.
SVR (Systematic Vascular Resistance): Resistance in blood vessels.
CVP (Central Venus Pressure): Pressure in the thoracic vena cava near the right atrium.

Importance of calculating map calculation
We have discussed how to calculate MAP. Now, let’s talk about its importance. Calculating MAP helps the providers ensure that the patient gets proper treatment. MAP helps to determine the flow of blood to the organs. The providers must know how to calculate critically ill patients’ MAP or Mean Arterial Pressure. This is a matter of life-or-death situation for seriously ill patients.
Physicians use the MAP calculator to decide how to treat a patient regarding blood pressure management during major surgeries.
Clinical examples
- Normal MAP: 170 to 110 mmHg.
- Hypotension: MAP below 60 mmHg indicates insufficient blood flow to the organs, which might result in organ failure.
- Hypertension: High MAP results in increased risk of heart attack or stroke, etc.
Conclusion
Calculating Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP) is crucial for ensuring proper blood flow to the organs and assessing the patient’s health status. Using systolic and diastolic pressures or cardiac output and vascular resistance, healthcare providers can determine MAP effectively. Understanding MAP helps in critical care settings, guiding treatment decisions, and managing blood pressure during surgeries. Monitoring MAP is vital for diagnosing and preventing hypotension and hypertension for patient safety and recovery.
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