Which condition is NOT a cause of widened pulse pressure?

Widened pulse pressure is characterized by an increased difference between systolic and diastolic blood pressure readings. Certain conditions can lead to this phenomenon through various mechanisms, such as altering vascular resistance or cardiac output.

In cases of chronic aortic regurgitation, the heart experiences volume overload due to the backflow of blood into the left ventricle, usually resulting in increased systolic pressure and a potentially lowered diastolic pressure, which contributes to a widened pulse pressure. Similarly, thyrotoxicosis can lead to increased heart rate and cardiac output, also resulting in elevated systolic pressure relative to diastolic pressure.

Fever, due to increased metabolic demand and potentially higher cardiac output, can also contribute to a wider pulse pressure as the body attempts to maintain perfusion. Each of these conditions affects hemodynamics in a way that could feasibly lead to an increased pulse pressure.

On the other hand, hypovolemia typically causes a decrease in both systolic and diastolic pressures, leading to a narrow pulse pressure rather than a widened one. Hypovolemic conditions, such as significant blood loss or dehydration, reduce the overall circulating volume, diminishing both pressures, therefore not contributing to a widened pulse pressure. This is why