In a cohort of 311 intensive care unit (ICU) patients, median mean circulatory filling pressure (Pmcf) measured after cardiac arrest was 15 mmHg (interquartile range 12–18). In 48% of cases, arterial blood pressure remained higher than central venous pressure, but correction for arterial-to-venous compliance differences did not result in clinically relevant alterations of Pmcf. Fluid balance, use of vasopressors or inotropes, and being on mechanical ventilation were associated with a higher Pmcf.