From the Guidelines
Mean blood pressure, also known as mean arterial pressure (MAP), is approximately 65-70 mmHg in critically ill patients, as recommended by recent guidelines 1. This measurement is crucial because it represents the average pressure driving blood through the systemic circulation and into tissues. Healthcare providers use MAP to assess overall cardiovascular function, especially in critical care settings, as it provides a more comprehensive picture of perfusion pressure than either systolic or diastolic readings alone. Some key points to consider when evaluating mean blood pressure include:
- A normal MAP ranges from 70 to 100 mmHg in adults 1
- MAP below 60 mmHg generally indicates insufficient blood pressure to maintain adequate blood flow to vital organs, particularly the kidneys, brain, and heart 1
- During surgery or in intensive care units, maintaining an appropriate MAP is crucial for ensuring proper organ perfusion and function 1
- The optimal approach is to use an individualized MAP target based on frequent assessment of end-organ perfusion 1 It is essential to note that the definition and management of mean blood pressure may vary depending on the specific clinical context and patient population, as highlighted in recent studies 1.
From the Research
Definition of Mean Blood Pressure
- Mean blood pressure refers to the average blood pressure in an individual, which can be calculated from systolic and diastolic blood pressure readings 2.
- It is often used as an index of overall blood pressure and can be measured directly using automated oscillometric blood pressure measurement devices or calculated from systolic and diastolic blood pressure readings 2.
Calculation of Mean Blood Pressure
- Mean arterial pressure (MAP) can be calculated from systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) using a formula, although the exact formula is not specified in the provided studies.
- However, it is noted that there can be a significant difference between measured and calculated MAP, and this difference can be large in individual patients 2.
Importance of Mean Blood Pressure
- Controlling mean blood pressure is crucial in reducing the burden of hypertension-related cardiovascular and renal diseases 3, 4, 5, 6.
- Effective treatment of high blood pressure, including the use of antihypertensive medications such as calcium channel blockers and ACE inhibitors, can help achieve recommended blood pressure targets and reduce the risk of cardiovascular events 3, 4, 5, 6.