Mean Arterial Pressure

Mean arterial pressure is defined as the average pressure in the arteries
over a certain time interval.

Mean arterial pressure can be approximated by adding the diastolic
pressure to one-third the difference between the systolic and diastolic
pressures.  The mean arterial pressure is dependent upon the peripheral
resistance and the cardiac output of the heart.

Cardiac output is the inflow into the arteries from the heart, and
peripheral runoff is defined as the outflow into the resistance vessels
from the arteries.  If the cardiac output is greater than the peripheral
runoff, mean arterial pressure increases.  If the reverse is true, then
mean arterial pressure decreases.  If the two parameters are equal, then
mean arterial pressure remains constant.

Sample Problem:

Find the mean arterial pressure if the systolic pressure is 120 mmHg and
the diastolic pressure is 80 mmHg.

Answer:

93.33 mmHg

For more information on this topic, please refer to Berne & Levy , p. 140, 141-144

Also, check out the following links that may be helpful:

• Arterial Pressure
• Cardiovascular Regulation, Integration, and Disease Amy Edwards

No!
Please don't make me go to any of those pages!
I want to go somewhere completely different!

This page was written by Karolynn Bayaca
Karol's world , a student in this course.

BME 403 Pages maintained by the T.A., Douglas Miles.