1. What is Mean Pulmonary Artery Pressure?

Mean Pulmonary Artery Pressure (mPAP) represents the average pressure in the pulmonary artery during one cardiac cycle. It's a key hemodynamic parameter used in the diagnosis and management of pulmonary hypertension.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the standard equation:

Where:

• \( dPAP \) — Diastolic pulmonary artery pressure (mmHg)
• \( sPAP \) — Systolic pulmonary artery pressure (mmHg)

Explanation: The equation approximates the mean pressure by giving more weight to the diastolic pressure, which typically lasts longer in the cardiac cycle.

3. Clinical Importance

Details: mPAP is crucial for diagnosing pulmonary hypertension (defined as mPAP >20 mmHg at rest). It helps assess right ventricular afterload and guides treatment decisions in cardiopulmonary diseases.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter both systolic and diastolic PAP values in mmHg. The systolic value should be equal to or greater than the diastolic value.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why is mPAP important?
A: mPAP reflects the average pressure the right ventricle must overcome to eject blood into the pulmonary circulation. Elevated mPAP indicates increased right heart workload.

Q2: What are normal mPAP values?
A: Normal mPAP is 10-20 mmHg at rest. Values >20 mmHg suggest pulmonary hypertension.

Q3: How is mPAP measured clinically?
A: Gold standard is right heart catheterization, though echocardiography can estimate it non-invasively.

Q4: What's the difference between PAP and systemic BP?
A: Pulmonary pressures are much lower than systemic pressures (normal systolic PAP 15-30 mmHg vs systemic 90-120 mmHg).

Q5: When should I suspect pulmonary hypertension?
A: Consider in patients with unexplained dyspnea, fatigue, syncope, or signs of right heart failure with elevated jugular venous pressure.