Mean Pulmonary Artery Pressure Calculator
The Mean Pulmonary Artery Pressure Calculator estimates mPAP based on systolic and diastolic pressure readings. This tool helps cardiologists and clinicians quickly assess pulmonary vascular health and diagnose hypertension. Whether you are monitoring treatment response in vascular diseases, assessing right ventricular function, or performing preoperative evaluations, this tool provides accurate hemodynamic insights.
How Mean Pulmonary Artery Pressure Is Calculated
Mean Pulmonary Artery Pressure (mPAP) represents the average pressure in the pulmonary artery during a complete cardiac cycle. It is a vital indicator of how well the heart pumps blood into the lungs.
mPAP = (PASP + 2 × PDAP) / 3
Where:
- mPAP = Mean Pulmonary Artery Pressure
- PASP = Pulmonary Artery Systolic Pressure
- PDAP = Pulmonary Artery Diastolic Pressure
The calculation process involves three simple steps:
- Identify the systolic (peak) and diastolic (resting) pressure values from a right heart catheterization.
- Multiply the diastolic pressure by two to account for the longer duration the heart spends in diastole.
- Add this value to the systolic pressure and divide the total by three.
This weighted calculation offers a more accurate representation of the strain on the right ventricle than simple averages. This method is the standard clinical reference for hemodynamic assessment.
What Your Mean Pulmonary Artery Pressure Means
The resulting mPAP number indicates the average pressure your heart must generate to push blood through the lungs.
Normal Function: A reading between 10 and 14 mmHg shows that your pulmonary arteries have healthy resistance levels and the right ventricle is working efficiently.
Elevated Pressure: Values between 15 and 20 mmHg are borderline. While not always diagnostic, these levels suggest the heart is working harder than normal and should be monitored for progression.
Pulmonary Hypertension: Results above 20 mmHg strongly indicate pulmonary hypertension. This requires prompt clinical attention to manage symptoms and prevent damage to the right side of the heart.
Important: Slight variations can occur based on the patient's position and hydration status during testing.
This tool is designed for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for interpretation of clinical data.
For accurate tracking, calculate mPAP at regular intervals to see how treatment plans are working over time.