Coronary perfusion pressure (CPP) is a measure of how well blood flows within the heart.
The metric is used to monitor the transit of blood through the coronary arteries.
The coronary arteries are blood vessels responsible for supplying your heart with oxygen.
Verywell / Ellen Lindner
CPP needs to be maintained at a specific level in order for the heart to function properly.
If you have heart disease, especiallycoronary artery diseaseorheart failure, then understanding how CPP works may be helpful.
This article provides details on CPP calculation and regulation.
CPP and Cardiac Arreest
CPP will naturally change with different heart diseases, likecoronary artery diseaseorheart failure.
What Is Ischemia?
CPP can help doctors understand if a heart is at risk for going into cardiac arrest.
The minimum CPP needed to adequately perfuse the heart during CPR is approximately 15 mmHg.
Regulating Coronary Blood Flow
Coronary blood flow is extremely important for your heart to function well.
Invasive treatments such as mechanical devices are sometimes used in the hospital for perfuse the coronary arteries.
When someone is very ill, devices calledintra-aortic balloon pumpsmay be used to help pump blood through the coronaries.
Pump devices are not permanent however and are only used when someone is in critical condition.
Frequently Asked Questions
What factors affect CPP?
CPP is impacted by blockages in the arteries, called plaque.
These blockages, or plaques, limit blood flow and can cause damage known as ischemia.
How do you calculate CPP?
Normal PCWP values range between 4 to 12 mmHg.
American Heart Association.Types of heart medications.
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