aetiology
Last reviewed 01/2018
Causes of a wide pulse pressure include:
- the rapid run-off of blood from the aorta or its branches as occurs in conditions such as aortic valve regurgitation, patent ductus arteriosus and arteriovenous fistula
- in high output states such as thyrotoxicosis, Paget's disease and wet beri-beri
- increased left ventricular stroke volume e.g. aortic regurgitation and sinus bradycardia
- where there is peripheral vasodilatation e.g. carbon dioxide retention
- conditions where there is increased rigidity of the aorta e.g. atherosclerosis; if a large amplitude pulse occurs in an elderly individual then it is likely to be the result of atherosclerosis of the aorta