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

Definition: MPAP is the average pressure in the pulmonary arteries during one 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 Arterial Pressure (mmHg)
• \( PASP \) — Pulmonary Artery Systolic Pressure (mmHg)
• \( PADP \) — Pulmonary Artery Diastolic Pressure (mmHg)

Explanation: The formula estimates the mean pressure by accounting for the pressure waveform shape during the cardiac cycle.

3. Importance of MPAP Calculation

Details: MPAP helps diagnose and monitor pulmonary hypertension (normal < 20 mmHg, PH ≥ 25 mmHg).

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter PASP and PADP values obtained from echocardiography or right heart catheterization. PASP should be ≥ PADP.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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

Q2: How does this differ from systemic MAP?
A: Systemic MAP uses different weighting (2/3 diastolic, 1/3 systolic) due to different pressure waveform characteristics.

Q3: When is direct MPAP measurement needed?
A: Right heart catheterization provides direct MPAP measurement when precise values are clinically critical.

Q4: What if PASP is less than PADP?
A: This is physiologically impossible and suggests measurement error. Check your input values.

Q5: How accurate is this estimation?
A: The formula provides a good estimate but may differ slightly from directly measured MPAP in some cases.