Mean arterial pressure (MAP) is approximated by which expression?

Study the AQA A Level PE Test for The Cardiovascular System. Prepare with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each with explanations. Get ready for exam success!

Multiple Choice

Mean arterial pressure (MAP) is approximated by which expression?

Explanation:
Mean arterial pressure reflects the average pressure in the arteries over a full heartbeat. Because the heart spends more time in diastole than systole, the average is weighted toward the diastolic value. The standard quick estimate uses diastolic pressure plus one third of the pulse pressure (pulse pressure = systolic minus diastolic). So the best approximation is MAP ≈ DBP + 1/3(SBP − DBP), which is also equal to (SBP + 2·DBP)/3. For example, with SBP 120 and DBP 80, MAP ≈ 80 + 1/3(40) = 93.3 mmHg. This provides a practical, simple way to estimate MAP without full-cycle integration.

Mean arterial pressure reflects the average pressure in the arteries over a full heartbeat. Because the heart spends more time in diastole than systole, the average is weighted toward the diastolic value. The standard quick estimate uses diastolic pressure plus one third of the pulse pressure (pulse pressure = systolic minus diastolic). So the best approximation is MAP ≈ DBP + 1/3(SBP − DBP), which is also equal to (SBP + 2·DBP)/3. For example, with SBP 120 and DBP 80, MAP ≈ 80 + 1/3(40) = 93.3 mmHg. This provides a practical, simple way to estimate MAP without full-cycle integration.

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