Mean arterial pressure

The mean arterial pressure (MAP) is a term used in medicine to describe an average blood pressure in an individual. The mean arterial pressure is calculated as the diastolic pressure plus 1/3 of the pulse pressure.

<math>MAP = Diastolic\ Pressure + \frac {Systolic\ Pressure – Diastolic\ Pressure} {3}<math>

The MAP is considered the perfusion pressure seen by organs in the body. It is believed that a MAP of greater than 60 mmHg is enough to sustain the organs of the average person under most conditions. If the MAP falls significantly below this number for an appreciable time, the end organ will not get enough blood flow, and will become ischemic.

Related topics

• Blood pressure
• Hypertension
• Pulse pressure