MAD - mean arterial pressure

The mean arterial pressure (MAD; English: mean arterial pressure = MAP) is the average blood pressure over time, independent of the systolic and diastolic fluctuations in the vascular system. Since the curve does not run uniformly, the MAD does not correspond to the average of systolic and diastolic blood pressure. This becomes clear with an example. In the following representation, the diastolic value is 80 mmHg, and the systolic pressure is 120 mmHg. The arithmetic mean would be 100 mmHg. However, the MAD is significantly lower at around 93 mmHg.

Illustration Mean Arterial Pressure (MAD)

The MAD is considered the most reliable parameter for organ perfusion. Normal values range between 70 and 105 mmHg. If the MAD drops permanently below 60 mmHg, there is a risk that the organs of the body - including the brain - may be under-supplied with oxygen and nutrients and can therefore be damaged.

Measurement

The most accurate method is the determination of the arterial mean pressure through invasive blood pressure measurement.
Blood pressure monitors with oscillometric principles can determine the mean arterial pressure through the oscillation of the vessel wall. Unfortunately, this value is usually not displayed on household devices.
The MAD can be calculated from systolic and diastolic pressure using the following formula:

MAD = diastolic pressure + 1/3 * (systolic pressure - diastolic pressure)

In the example from the diagram with a systolic pressure of 120 mmHg and a diastolic pressure of 80 mmHg:
MAD = 80 + 1/3 * (120 - 80) = 93.3

Tip:

The BloodPressureDB app calculates the mean arterial pressure (MAD) and also displays it as a chart if desired. So if you want to determine and monitor your MAD, simply use BloodPressureDB.

Sources:

This article is from BloodPressureDB the leading app since 2011 that supports hundreds of thousands in blood pressure monitoring every day. Our content is based on carefully researched, evidence-based data and is continuously updated (as of 04/2025).

Author Sabine Croci is a certified medical assistant with many years of experience in internal medicine and cardiology practices as well as in outpatient care, and has been leading the editorial team of BloodPressureDB since 2015. Thanks to her extensive additional qualifications as a paramedic, first responder, and in various therapy and emergency areas, she provides well-founded, practical, and reliably verified information.

MAD - mean arterial pressure

Measurement

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