An adult's blood pressure is recorded as 130/90 mmHg. Using the standard approximation for mean arterial pressure, what is his mean arterial pressure?
- A 117 mmHg
- B 110 mmHg
- C 103 mmHg ✓
- D 95 mmHg
Correct answer: C. 103 mmHg
Explanation
Mean arterial pressure equals diastolic pressure plus one third of the pulse pressure, an approximation valid at normal heart rates because diastole occupies about two thirds of the cycle. Here the pulse pressure is 130 minus 90, which is 40 mmHg, one third of which is about 13 mmHg. Adding this to the diastolic pressure gives approximately 103 mmHg. Option A incorrectly uses half the pulse pressure.
Reference: Ganong's Review of Medical Physiology, 26th ed.
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