Mean arterial pressure calculator
Type the two numbers from your cuff and see the mean arterial pressure they work out to.
What the number means
The average pressure in your arteries over one heartbeat, estimated from a cuff reading. Clinicians monitor it in hospital; at home, the systolic and diastolic numbers are what matter.
Should I track this number at home?
No. It is not a home blood pressure target. The ESC and AHA/ACC categories used on this site classify the systolic and diastolic values, not mean arterial pressure.
Why is it not halfway between my two numbers?
Because the heart spends longer filling than pumping. Diastolic pressure therefore counts for roughly two thirds of the average and systolic pressure for a third, which is what the formula does.
Where is it actually used?
Mostly in intensive care and anaesthesia, where a target is set for the individual patient. 60 mmHg is the minimum StatPearls names for perfusing vital organs.
Is this the same as the average of my readings?
No. Mean arterial pressure is estimated from one blood pressure reading. Averaging several home readings answers a different question.
Sources: StatPearls, Physiology, Mean Arterial Pressure. General information, not medical advice.