Comparison of Resting Blood Pressure

Comparing blood pressure across these species reveals significant physiological differences, largely driven by body size, metabolic demands, and specialized adaptations for movement.

Species Systolic (mm Hg) Diastolic (mm Hg) Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP)
Mouse ~122 ~102 ~112
Duck Variable* Variable* Varies by species/activity
Pig ~120 – 140 ~77 – 95 ~95
Bird 108 – 250 Varies Varies

*While specific mean arterial pressure values for ducks are less frequently cited as a single universal "resting" standard compared to mammals, they are generally described as having a blood pressure magnitude similar to chickens.


Key Physiological Context

  • Mouse: Despite their high heart rates, mice maintain a mean arterial pressure remarkably similar to that of humans.
  • Duck: As birds, ducks possess high-output cardiovascular systems. Their blood pressure is dynamic, particularly during activities like diving, which triggers specialized cardiovascular responses.
  • Pig: Domestic pigs exhibit blood pressure values that are quite comparable to those of humans and other large mammals, often serving as medical research models.
  • Bird: Birds generally maintain higher blood pressures and have proportionately larger hearts than mammals of similar body size to support the intense energy demands of flight.
Note on Measurement: Blood pressure in these animals can be heavily influenced by the measurement technique, the animal’s stress level during the procedure, and their activity state.

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