PULSE PRESSURE

     The pulse pressure is calculated by subtracting the value for the diastolic blood pressure from the systolic blood pressure (SBP-DBP= pulse pressure).  The normal value is approximately 50 mm Hg.  Elevated values are seen with hyperthyroidism, severe anemia, aortic insufficiency, arteriovenous shunts, coarctation of the aorta, and severe peripheral vascular disease.  An elevated pulse pressure secondary to systolic hypertension is associated with an increased risk of mortality from cardiovascular disease.  Cerebrovascular disease is also associated with systolic hypertension and an elevated pulse pressure.