Hemodynamics

Coronary Perfusion Pressure Calculator

Diastolic pressure minus wedge pressure, the pressure that fills the coronary arteries, which perfuse mainly in diastole.

Reviewed by Alex G, BSN, RN, CEN, CCRN, CMC, NREMT-P · From the Reference tab of the app

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Formula

DBP - PAOP

Reference: Normal 60–80

How it is used

• Normal coronary perfusion pressure (DBP − PAOP) is 60–80 mm Hg.
• The left ventricle fills its coronary arteries mainly in diastole, so a low diastolic pressure, a high wedge or a short diastole (tachycardia) all cut coronary flow.
• An intra-aortic balloon pump raises diastolic pressure to improve coronary perfusion (see IABP Management).
• During CPR coronary perfusion pressure is measured differently (aortic minus right atrial diastolic pressure); no patient reached ROSC below 15 mm Hg (Paradis 1990).

Same formula as the app. Open it in the web app.

Related one-pagers

• Shock Types at a GlanceCardiogenic shock is hypoperfusion from pump failure: classically SBP <90 for ≥30 min or pressors needed, CI <2.2 L/min/m² and PCWP >15. A rising LVEDP backs up into the lungs and lowers coronary perfusion pressure (aortic diastolic minus LVEDP), worsening ischemia. In current US registries (Critical Care Cardiology Trials Network) heart-failure shock outnumbers AMI shock.
• IABP ManagementInflate · Mid T wave; dicrotic notch · Raises diastolic pressure and coronary perfusion
• ACLS Algorithms in BriefCompressions move blood two ways: they squeeze the heart between sternum and spine (the cardiac pump) and raise intrathoracic pressure so blood leaves the chest (the thoracic pump). Done well, they deliver roughly a quarter to a third of normal cardiac output. The myocardium is perfused almost entirely during the release phase, driven by coronary perfusion pressure (CPP): aortic diastolic pressure minus right atrial diastolic pressure.
• CapnographyDuring CPR, cardiac output is roughly a quarter to a third of normal and EtCO₂ follows it closely at a fixed ventilation rate. Overventilation lowers EtCO₂ and a slow rate raises it, so the number only reflects compressions when ventilation is steady at 1 breath every 6 seconds (AHA 2025). Sodium bicarbonate releases CO₂ (50 mEq can generate up to about 1 L), giving a transient rise that is not ROSC. Epinephrine can lower EtCO₂ for a few minutes despite raising coronary perfusion pressure.

Related calculators

• Cardiac Index (CI)
• Cardiac Output (Fick Principle)
• Cardiac Output (HR × SV)
• Cerebral Perfusion Pressure (CPP)
• Ejection Fraction (EF)
• Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP)
• Oxygen Delivery (DO₂)
• Pulmonary Vascular Resistance (PVR)

For education and exam preparation only. Follow your institution’s protocols. For education and exam preparation only. Verify results independently and follow your institution’s protocols. Not a substitute for clinical judgment.