Hemodynamic Calculator
Analyze Blood Pressure & Heart Rate Relationship (RPP, MAP, PP)
Beats per Minute (BPM)
Top Number (mmHg)
Bottom Number (mmHg)
Years (Optional)
Rate Pressure Product (RPP)
0
mmHg·bpm
Calculated as HR × Systolic BP. Indicates myocardial oxygen consumption.
Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP)
0
mmHg
Average pressure in arteries during one cardiac cycle.
Pulse Pressure (PP)
0
mmHg
Difference between Systolic and Diastolic pressure.
Understanding the Heart Rate and Blood Pressure Relationship
While many people assume Heart Rate (HR) and Blood Pressure (BP) are the same, they are distinct vital signs that measure different aspects of cardiovascular health. This calculator determines the physiological load on your heart by analyzing both metrics together using the Rate Pressure Product (RPP), Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP), and Pulse Pressure (PP).
Scientific Note: It is impossible to accurately calculate blood pressure solely using heart rate. While heart rate often increases with blood pressure during exercise, they can function independently. For example, in shock, heart rate rises while blood pressure falls. This tool calculates the mathematical relationship between the two known values.
1. Rate Pressure Product (RPP)
The Rate Pressure Product (also known as the Double Product) is calculated by multiplying your Heart Rate by your Systolic Blood Pressure. It serves as a reliable index of myocardial oxygen consumption (MVO₂).
- Formula:
RPP = Heart Rate × Systolic BP - Significance: It tells us how hard the heart muscle is working. A lower RPP at rest generally indicates better cardiovascular fitness.
- Typical Range: A resting RPP between 7,000 and 9,000 is common. Values above 10,000 at rest may indicate increased cardiac workload.
2. Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP)
Mean Arterial Pressure is not a simple average of your top and bottom numbers because the heart spends more time in diastole (relaxing) than systole (contracting). It represents the average pressure driving blood to your organs.
- Formula:
MAP ≈ Diastolic BP + (Pulse Pressure / 3) - Target: A MAP of at least 60 mmHg is usually required to perfuse vital organs (brain, kidneys). Normal range is typically 70-100 mmHg.
3. Pulse Pressure (PP)
Pulse Pressure is the numeric difference between your Systolic and Diastolic pressure. It represents the force that the heart generates each time it contracts.
- Formula:
PP = Systolic BP - Diastolic BP - Significance: A wide pulse pressure (>60 mmHg) specifically in older adults can be a marker of arterial stiffness.
Can you estimate BP from Heart Rate?
In strictly controlled exercise testing, there is a linear relationship where Systolic BP rises approximately 8-12 mmHg for every MET (Metabolic Equivalent) of intensity, which correlates with Heart Rate. However, at rest, a person can have a high heart rate (tachycardia) with low blood pressure (hypotension), or a low heart rate (bradycardia) with high blood pressure (hypertension). Therefore, direct calculation without measurement is clinically invalid.