Let us determine our patient's blood pressure together placing the diaphragm of the stethoscope on the brachial artery pumping up the cuff to exceed the systolic pressure and observing the sphygmomanometer. Let's observe. [Cut-away]
Our patient's blood pressure is 90/70. The level is a bit low and and the pulse pressure is narrow.
Discussion
A narrow pulse pressure and low level of blood pressure may be normal, but may also provide a clue to a diagnosis. They may be present when there is a decreased stroke volume. Common causes include hypovolemia, heart failure and obstruction to flow, as seen in aortic stenosis, mitral stenosis and pulmonary vascular obstruction.