1. What is Mean Pulmonary Arterial Pressure (MPAP)?

Definition: MPAP represents the average pressure in the pulmonary artery during one cardiac cycle.

Purpose: It's a crucial hemodynamic measurement used to assess pulmonary hypertension and right heart function.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( MPAP \) — Mean Pulmonary Arterial Pressure (mmHg)
• \( PASP \) — Pulmonary Artery Systolic Pressure (mmHg)
• \( PADP \) — Pulmonary Artery Diastolic Pressure (mmHg)

Explanation: This formula accounts for the fact that diastole lasts longer than systole in the cardiac cycle.

3. Clinical Importance of MPAP

Details: Normal MPAP is 10-20 mmHg. Values >25 mmHg at rest indicate pulmonary hypertension.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter PASP and PADP values obtained from echocardiography or right heart catheterization. Both values must be > 0.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why is MPAP important?
A: MPAP helps diagnose and monitor pulmonary hypertension and assess right ventricular afterload.

Q2: What's the difference between MPAP and PAWP?
A: MPAP measures pulmonary artery pressure, while PAWP (Pulmonary Artery Wedge Pressure) estimates left atrial pressure.

Q3: How is MPAP measured clinically?
A: Gold standard is right heart catheterization, but echocardiography can estimate it non-invasively.

Q4: What factors can affect MPAP?
A: Altitude, lung disease, left heart disease, pulmonary embolism, and idiopathic causes.

Q5: When should I suspect abnormal MPAP?
A: With symptoms like dyspnea, fatigue, or signs of right heart failure (edema, jugular venous distension).