A low pulse pressure is an independent predictor of mortality in heart failure: data from a large nationwide cardiology database (IN-CHF Registry).

Background: A high pulse pressure (PP) predicts cardiovascular mortality in hypertension and in the elderly. We analyzed the data from the Italian Network of Congestive Heart Failure Registry to test the prognostic role of PP in patients with heart failure.

Methods: A total of 8660 patients with heart failure (mean age 64 +/- 12 years, 73% male) were divided into four groups according to their PP (< 40, 40-49, 50-59, and > or = 60 mmHg), and followed prospectively.