Narrow pulse pressure

An abnormally small difference between systolic and diastolic arterial blood pressure (<40 mmHg difference or ≤25% of systolic pressure), reflecting reduced stroke volume or diminished cardiac output.

Causes

• Hypovolemia causes impaired ventricular filling

  • Hemorrhage

  • Dehydration

  • Shock

• Increased intrathoracic pressure causes impaired ventricular filling

  • Tension pneumothorax

  • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

  • Positive-pressure ventilation

• Severe pulmonary hypertension

• Heart failure with reduced stroke volume

  • Valvular heart disease: Aortic valve stenosis

  • Cardiac tamponade

  • Severe cardiomyopathy

  • Myocardial infarction with impaired ventricular function