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

Definition: MPAP is the average pressure in the pulmonary artery during the cardiac cycle, calculated from systolic and diastolic pressures.

Purpose: It helps assess pulmonary hypertension and evaluate right heart function in clinical settings.

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 weights diastolic pressure twice as much as systolic pressure to account for the longer duration of diastole in the cardiac cycle.

3. Clinical Importance of MPAP

Details: Normal MPAP is 10-20 mmHg. Values >25 mmHg at rest indicate pulmonary hypertension. Accurate measurement is crucial for diagnosis and treatment monitoring.

4. Using the Calculator

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

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the difference between MPAP and systemic MAP?
A: MPAP specifically measures pulmonary artery pressure, while MAP (mean arterial pressure) measures systemic circulation pressure.

Q2: How accurate is this estimation?
A: This formula provides a good estimate but direct measurement via right heart catheterization is more accurate.

Q3: When would MPAP be elevated?
A: In pulmonary hypertension, left heart failure, chronic lung diseases, or pulmonary embolism.

Q4: Can I use this with echocardiography data?
A: Yes, but echo-estimated pressures may differ from catheter measurements by ±10 mmHg.

Q5: What's the normal range for PASP and PADP?
A: Normal PASP: 15-30 mmHg, normal PADP: 4-12 mmHg.