Final answer:
A pulse deficit often signifies a major health problem such as circulatory shock, which is life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention to ensure adequate blood flow and oxygen delivery to tissues.
Step-by-step explanation:
The major health problem resulting from a pulse deficit is typically associated with circulatory shock, which can be a life-threatening condition. A pulse deficit indicates a discrepancy between the heart beats detected at the heart and the pulse felt at the periphery, often signifying an underlying cardiac problem such as reduced cardiac output seen in conditions like heart failure or aortic stenosis.
When the heart's stroke volume is low, whether due to congestive heart failure, aortic valve stenosis, or significant blood loss, a pulse deficit can occur, leading to inadequate blood flow and oxygen delivery to tissues. This can progress to circulatory shock, characterized by symptoms including increased heart rate, falling blood pressure, reduced urine output, and potentially confusion or loss of consciousness. Shock requires immediate medical intervention to prevent further organ damage and to save the patient's life.