Question

What type of BP do you see in coarctation of the aorta?

a) Elevated blood pressure in upper extremities
b) Elevated blood pressure in lower extremities
c) Hypertension in both upper and lower extremities
d) Hypotension in both upper and lower extremities

Answer 1

Coarctation of the aorta causes elevated blood pressure in the lower extremities.

Step-by-step explanation:

The type of blood pressure (BP) you see in coarctation of the aorta is:

b) Elevated blood pressure in lower extremities

Coarctation of the aorta is a congenital abnormal narrowing of the aorta, which restricts blood flow through the primary systemic artery. This narrowing usually occurs at the insertion of the ligamentum arteriosum. As a result, there is higher blood pressure in the lower extremities compared to the upper extremities.