Mean Arterial Pressure

How to use it

1. 1

   Measure BP. Use non-invasive cuff or invasive arterial line (gold standard in ICU).

2. 2

   Calculate. MAP = (SBP + 2 × DBP) / 3. Diastolic is weighted twice because diastole is longer.

3. 3

   Target. MAP ≥ 65 mmHg is the standard resuscitation target in septic shock; ≥ 80 mmHg in chronic hypertension or traumatic brain injury.

When to use it

Shock resuscitation

Primary haemodynamic target in septic shock (Surviving Sepsis Campaign: MAP ≥ 65 mmHg).

Vasopressor titration

Titrate noradrenaline/metaraminol to maintain MAP target. Invasive arterial monitoring preferred.

Organ perfusion assessment

MAP < 65 mmHg below which autoregulation of the kidney and brain may fail.