Question

What is the main arterial pressure of a 120 over 80

Answer 1

The main arterial pressure, often referred to as mean arterial pressure (MAP), can be estimated using the formula:

\[
MAP = DBP + \frac{1}{3}(SBP - DBP)
\]

where:
- SBP is the systolic blood pressure (the first number, in this case 120 mmHg),
- DBP is the diastolic blood pressure (the second number, in this case 80 mmHg).

Substituting the values:

\[
MAP = 80 + \frac{1}{3}(120 - 80)
\]
\[
MAP = 80 + \frac{1}{3}(40)
\]
\[
MAP = 80 + \frac{40}{3}
\]
\[
MAP = 80 + 13.33 \approx 93.33 \, \text{mmHg}
\]

So, the mean arterial pressure for a blood pressure reading of 120/80 mmHg is approximately 93.3 mmHg.