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