Cardiology Emergency Medicine Anaesthesia / Critical Care Standard physiological calculation

Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP)

Calculates mean arterial pressure from systolic and diastolic blood pressure. MAP reflects perfusion pressure to vital organs.

Score interpretation

Critically Low MAP 0–59

MAP < 60 mmHg: Inadequate organ perfusion pressure. Risk of ischaemia to kidneys, brain, heart.

→ Urgent resuscitation. IV fluids, vasopressors (noradrenaline). Rule out: haemorrhage, sepsis, cardiogenic shock, anaphylaxis.

Low Normal 60–69

MAP 60–69 mmHg: Marginal perfusion pressure. Monitor closely.

→ Fluid challenge if hypovolaemia suspected. Monitor urine output, lactate, end-organ function.

Normal MAP 70–100

MAP 70–100 mmHg: Normal range. Adequate perfusion pressure in most patients.

→ Continue monitoring. Target MAP ≥ 65 mmHg in sepsis (Surviving Sepsis Campaign).

Elevated MAP ≥ 101

MAP > 100 mmHg: Elevated. Associated with increased afterload and end-organ damage risk.

→ Consider antihypertensive therapy if symptomatic or MAP > 130 mmHg. Assess for hypertensive emergency.

Interpretation bands for the MAP. Apply clinical judgement and local guidance.

Rhodes A, et al. Surviving Sepsis Campaign: International Guidelines for Management of Sepsis and Septic Shock: 2016. Intensive Care Med. 2017;43(3):304–377.

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

Calculators

Drugs

Pathways

Decision support only — verify against a current formulary, NICE, or your local guideline before clinical use.