1. What is Mean Pulmonary Artery Pressure?

Mean Pulmonary Artery Pressure (mPAP) is the average pressure in the pulmonary artery during the cardiac cycle. It's a key hemodynamic measurement used to diagnose and monitor pulmonary hypertension.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the standard mPAP equation:

Where:

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

Explanation: The equation calculates the weighted average pressure, giving more importance to diastolic pressure which lasts longer in the cardiac cycle.

3. Clinical Importance of mPAP

Details: Normal mPAP is 8-20 mmHg at rest. Values ≥25 mmHg at rest define pulmonary hypertension, while 21-24 mmHg may indicate early disease.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter both diastolic and systolic PAP values in mmHg. Systolic should be ≥ diastolic. Values are typically obtained from right heart catheterization.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why is mPAP important?
A: mPAP is the primary hemodynamic parameter for diagnosing and classifying pulmonary hypertension severity.

Q2: How does this differ from systemic MAP?
A: Systemic MAP uses 1/3 of pulse pressure while pulmonary MAP traditionally uses 40% (though 1/3 is commonly used for simplicity).

Q3: When is right heart catheterization needed?
A: When non-invasive tests suggest pulmonary hypertension or for monitoring treatment response in known cases.

Q4: Are there alternative calculation methods?
A: Some use mPAP = 0.61×sPAP + 2 mmHg, but the standard formula is most widely accepted.

Q5: What factors can affect mPAP?
A: Exercise, hypoxia, lung disease, left heart disease, and pulmonary vascular disease all influence mPAP.