The mean arterial pressure in a patient with a blood pressure of 180/60 mm Hg is approximately:

The mean arterial pressure in a patient with a blood pressure of 180/60 mm Hg is approximately:

• A. 90 mm Hg
• B. 100 mm Hg
• C. 110 mm Hg
• D. 120 mm Hg

Answer: (B)

Mean arterial pressure is the average pressure in the arteries during a single cardiac cycle, and it is best estimated by taking diastolic pressure and adding about one-third of the pulse pressure (the difference between systolic and diastolic pressures). In this case, pulse pressure is 180 minus 60, which equals 120. One-third of 120 is 40. Adding that to the diastolic pressure of 60 gives 60 plus 40, or about 100 mm Hg. This value aligns with common MAP estimates and sits within the typical range, since normal MAP is roughly 70 to 105 mm Hg.

Mean arterial pressure is the average pressure in the arteries during a single cardiac cycle, and it is best estimated by taking diastolic pressure and adding about one-third of the pulse pressure (the difference between systolic and diastolic pressures). In this case, pulse pressure is 180 minus 60, which equals 120. One-third of 120 is 40. Adding that to the diastolic pressure of 60 gives 60 plus 40, or about 100 mm Hg. This value aligns with common MAP estimates and sits within the typical range, since normal MAP is roughly 70 to 105 mm Hg.