By Zencalcy Editorial TeamLast reviewed About us
Coronary perfusion pressure is the difference between diastolic blood pressure and the pressure in the left ventricle at the end of filling. Because the left ventricle receives most of its blood flow during diastole, this gradient is a useful estimate of the driving pressure for coronary flow. This calculator subtracts LVEDP from diastolic pressure and flags values below 50 mmHg.
Driving pressure for coronary blood flow in diastole.
CPP = DBP − LVEDP
Left ventricular end-diastolic pressure can be estimated from a wedge pressure in some settings, but the two are not identical. A coronary perfusion pressure below 50 mmHg is commonly treated as a concern because coronary flow may be compromised, especially in the presence of hypotension or coronary disease. The value is a haemodynamic estimate, not a direct measurement of flow.
| Symbol | Meaning |
|---|---|
| DBP | Diastolic blood pressure in mmHg. |
| LVEDP | Left ventricular end-diastolic pressure in mmHg. |
| CPP | Coronary perfusion pressure in mmHg. |
Coronary perfusion pressure = 70 − 10 = 60 mmHg, above the 50 mmHg concern threshold. With DBP 60 mmHg and LVEDP 15 mmHg, the result is 45 mmHg, which is below the threshold. A higher filling pressure or a lower diastolic pressure narrows the gradient.
The left ventricle is unusual because its own blood supply is delivered mainly between beats. During systole, contracting muscle compresses the intramural vessels; during diastole, the vessels open and the pressure difference between the aorta and the ventricular cavity drives flow. That is why a falling diastolic pressure can threaten the myocardium even when systolic pressure looks acceptable. A rising filling pressure narrows the same gradient from the other side. The formula captures both effects in one subtraction, which makes it useful in shock and in critical care. It is still a simplification: coronary flow also depends on vessel tone, collateral supply, heart rate and the duration of diastole. A low calculated value should prompt a broader assessment rather than a single intervention.
Continue with the Mean Arterial Pressure Calculator, Pulse Pressure Calculator, or the QTc Calculator — or browse more cardiology tools and all health calculators.
The left ventricular myocardium is squeezed during systole, so much of its blood flow occurs during relaxation. Diastolic pressure therefore provides the driving pressure, while ventricular filling pressure opposes it.
Blood pressure, ECG and risk scores are screening aids, not diagnoses. A single reading can be misleading; trends and proper technique matter. Scores estimate population risk and do not replace clinical assessment, anticoagulation decisions or emergency care.
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Last reviewed: September 2026. See how we build and check every tool on the about page.
Content updated: September 2026