What is the baseline mean arterial pressure (MAP) for a patient with the following blood pressure data points: 113, 74, 82, 85, 89, 88, 85, 87, 85?

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Baseline Mean Arterial Pressure Calculation

The baseline mean arterial pressure for this patient is approximately 86 mmHg, calculated by excluding the outlier value of 113 and averaging the remaining eight consistent measurements (74,82,85,89,88,85,87,85).

Rationale for Baseline Determination

Identifying the Baseline Values

  • The first value of 113 mmHg represents a clear outlier that is approximately 25-30 mmHg higher than all subsequent measurements and should be excluded from baseline calculation 1
  • The remaining eight values (74,82,85,89,88,85,87,85) cluster tightly between 74-89 mmHg, with a mean of 85.6 mmHg (rounded to 86 mmHg), representing the patient's true baseline 1
  • In clinical practice, baseline blood pressure should reflect the patient's stable, resting state, not transient elevations that may occur during initial measurement due to anxiety, recent activity, or measurement error 2

Clinical Context for MAP Interpretation

  • A baseline MAP of 86 mmHg falls within normal physiologic range for most adult patients 2
  • For general medical patients, a MAP ≥65 mmHg is considered adequate for organ perfusion, making this baseline well above the critical threshold 2, 1
  • In patients with diabetes or chronic kidney disease, achieved MAP values in clinical trials ranged from 92-107 mmHg, suggesting this baseline of 86 mmHg is on the lower end of typical treated values 2

Important Considerations

  • The initial elevated reading of 113 mmHg could represent "white coat effect" or measurement artifact, which is why it should not be included in baseline determination 2
  • MAP calculations from oscillometric devices can vary by 1.7-1.8 mmHg between measured and calculated values, though this difference is clinically insignificant for this baseline determination 3
  • Serial measurements are more reliable than single values for establishing true baseline, which is why averaging the eight consistent readings provides the most accurate baseline 4

References

Guideline

Mean Arterial Pressure Calculation and Clinical Significance

Praxis Medical Insights: Practical Summaries of Clinical Guidelines, 2025

Guideline

Guideline Directed Topic Overview

Dr.Oracle Medical Advisory Board & Editors, 2025

Guideline

Pediatric Lower Extremity Blood Pressure Guidelines

Praxis Medical Insights: Practical Summaries of Clinical Guidelines, 2025

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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