Importance Of Mean Arterial Pressure

Mean arterial pressure is significant because it measures the pressure necessary for adequate perfusion of the organs of the body. It is considered by many to be a better indication of perfusion than systolic blood pressure. Arterial pressure is determined by the volume ejected by the heart into the arteries, the elastance of the walls of the arteries, and the rate at which the blood flows out of the arteries.

In patients with sepsis, vasopressors are often titrated based on the map. Mean arterial pressure (map) is a critical hemodynamic factor. This is because the mean arterial pressure takes into account that 2/3 of the cardiac cycle is represented by the diastole.

Mean arterial pressure is considered to be the perfusion pressure seen by organs in the body.

These will be discussed further under the mechanism heading of this article. Low map can cause inadequate blood flow to organs, syncope, and shock. Map is an important measurement that accounts for flow, resistance, and pressure within your arteries. The ability to measure and monitor blood pressure trends provides important data about patient cardiovascular status and may help define approach to treatment.