If David's systolic blood pressure is 126 and diastolic blood pressure is 88, what is his mean arterial pressure (MAP)?

To calculate the mean arterial pressure (MAP), one can use the formula:

MAP = Diastolic Blood Pressure + (1/3 × Pulse Pressure)

Here, pulse pressure is the difference between systolic and diastolic blood pressure. First, we need to determine the pulse pressure:

Pulse Pressure = Systolic Blood Pressure - Diastolic Blood Pressure

Pulse Pressure = 126 mmHg - 88 mmHg = 38 mmHg

Now we can use this to calculate the MAP:

MAP = Diastolic Blood Pressure + (1/3 × Pulse Pressure)

MAP = 88 mmHg + (1/3 × 38 mmHg)

MAP = 88 mmHg + 12.67 mmHg = 100.67 mmHg

The calculations confirm that the mean arterial pressure is indeed 100.67 mmHg, which corresponds to the correct answer. Understanding this formula and calculation method is essential for accurately determining arterial pressures relevant to cardiovascular health.