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

Definition: MPAP is the average pressure in the pulmonary artery during a cardiac cycle.

Purpose: It's a key 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 artery pressure (mmHg)
• \( PASP \) — Pulmonary artery systolic pressure (mmHg)
• \( PADP \) — Pulmonary artery diastolic pressure (mmHg)

Explanation: The formula accounts for the fact that diastole lasts approximately twice as long as systole in the cardiac cycle.

3. Importance of MPAP Calculation

Details: MPAP is crucial for diagnosing and monitoring pulmonary hypertension (normal range: 10-20 mmHg). Values >25 mmHg at rest indicate pulmonary hypertension.

4. Using the Calculator

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

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the normal range for MPAP?
A: Normal MPAP is 10-20 mmHg at rest. >25 mmHg indicates pulmonary hypertension.

Q2: How is this different from systemic MAP?
A: While the formula is similar, pulmonary pressures are typically much lower than systemic pressures.

Q3: Can I use echocardiography values?
A: Yes, but echocardiography may underestimate true pressures compared to catheterization.

Q4: Why is diastole weighted more heavily?
A: Because the diastolic phase lasts approximately twice as long as systole in the cardiac cycle.

Q5: When would MPAP be elevated?
A: In pulmonary hypertension, left heart disease, lung diseases, or chronic thromboembolic disease.