How to calculate CPP [nursing]: Let’s talk about how to calculate a cerebral perfusion pressure [CPP] and then practice some CPP calculation problems! What is cerebral perfusion pressure [CPP]? It’s the
pressure required to move sufficient amounts of blood to the brain [cerebral blood flow], which maintains life and prevents brain ischemia. We talked a lot about cerebral perfusion pressure when we reviewed increased intracranial pressure, so if you want an in depth discussion about it check out that article.
To calculate CPP you need to know that:
CPP=MAP – ICP
*cerebral perfusion pressure is EQUAL to the mean arterial pressure MINUSintracranial pressure
So, to calculate it you need to know the patient’s BP and ICP:
Let’s give it a try!
BP: 108/72
ICP: 13
Right now we have: CPP= MAP – 13
First, we need to figure out the MAP [mean arterial pressure]…this is the pressure within a patient’s arteries during one cardiac cycle.
Formula for MAP:
SBP + 2[DBP] = MAP
3
*systolic blood pressure PLUS [diastolic blood pressure which is multiplied by 2] and then DIVIDED by 3.
72 x 2 = 144
144 + 108 = 252
252/3 = 84
MAP = 84
CPP= 84 -13
CPP= 71
It is normal….