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

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

Purpose: It's an important 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 approximates the mean pressure by accounting for the relative durations of systole and diastole 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 PASP and PADP values from right heart catheterization or echocardiography. PASP must be ≥ PADP.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why is MPAP important?
A: MPAP reflects the afterload on the right ventricle and is key for diagnosing pulmonary hypertension.

Q2: What's the normal range for MPAP?
A: Normal MPAP is 10-20 mmHg at rest. 21-24 mmHg is borderline, ≥25 mmHg indicates pulmonary hypertension.

Q3: How accurate is this formula compared to direct measurement?
A: This formula correlates well (r=0.97) with directly measured MPAP in most clinical situations.

Q4: Can I use this with echocardiography estimates?
A: Yes, but echocardiography may underestimate true pressures compared to right heart catheterization.

Q5: What if PASP is less than PADP?
A: This is physiologically impossible - check your measurements if this occurs.