II. Definitions
- Pulse Pressure
- Difference between systolic pressure and diastolic pressure
- Represents the force of cardiac contraction
III. Exam: Normal Pulse Pressure
- Range: 30-40 mmHg
IV. Causes: Wide (high) Pulse Pressure (>40 mmHg)
- Pathophysiology in Isolated Systolic Hypertension
- Suggests reduced large artery vascular compliance
- Best Blood Pressure marker for Cardiovascular Risk
- Causes
V. Causes: Narrow Pulse Pressure (<30 mmHg)
- Pathophysiology in Hypovolemic Shock
- Sympathetic response to decreased circulating Blood Volume
- Diastolic Blood Pressure increase without systolic Blood Pressure increase
- Causes
- Hypovolemic Shock or Hemorrhagic Shock
- May predict circulatory collapse in Trauma with Hemorrhage
- Prehospital Narrow Pulse Pressure predicts severe Trauma and need for aggressive Resuscitation
- Interpret in combination with Trauma Evaluation and other markers (Hypotension, Shock Index)
- Schellenberg (2021) J Surg Res 268:284-90 [PubMed]
- Tachycardia
- Severe Aortic Stenosis
- Constrictive Pericarditis
- Pericardial Effusion
- Ascites
- Hypovolemic Shock or Hemorrhagic Shock