What does the mean arterial pressure in an infant mean?

Mean arterial pressure (MAP) is a measurement of the average pressure in an infant's arteries during one cardiac cycle. It is calculated by adding two thirds of the systolic blood pressure to one third of the diastolic blood pressure.

MAP is an important indicator of an infant's overall cardiovascular health. It can be used to assess an infant's hydration status, blood volume, and heart function. MAP can also be used to identify infants who are at risk for developing cardiovascular problems.

Normal MAP values for infants vary depending on age and gestational age. Premature infants typically have lower MAP values than full-term infants. MAP values also tend to decrease during the first few days of life, and then gradually increase over time.

If an infant's MAP is too low, it can lead to a number of problems, including:

* Shock

* Organ failure

* Death

If an infant's MAP is too high, it can also lead to a number of problems, including:

* Hypertension

* Heart failure

* Stroke

MAP is an important measurement that can help to assess an infant's cardiovascular health. By monitoring MAP, healthcare providers can identify infants who are at risk for developing cardiovascular problems and take steps to prevent these problems from occurring.