Coarctation of the aorta is most closely associated with which finding?

Coarctation of the aorta is most closely associated with which finding?

• A. Hypertension
• B. Edema
• C. Jaundice
• D. Cyanosis

Answer: (D)

Coarctation of the aorta narrows the aorta after the arteries to the head and arms, so the heart must generate higher pressure to push blood through the constricted segment. This elevates proximal pressures, making hypertension in the upper extremities a classic and most direct association. The lower body, fed by the narrowed segment, may have weaker pulses and lower pressures, but the prominent, exam-tested clue is high blood pressure in the arms. Edema is a nonspecific sign of fluid overload or heart failure and isn’t distinctive for isolated coarctation. Jaundice isn’t a typical feature of this lesion. Cyanosis would suggest a significant mixing lesion or systemic hypoxemia, which isn’t a defining aspect of isolated coarctation. So the most closely linked finding is hypertension in the upper extremities.

Coarctation of the aorta narrows the aorta after the arteries to the head and arms, so the heart must generate higher pressure to push blood through the constricted segment. This elevates proximal pressures, making hypertension in the upper extremities a classic and most direct association. The lower body, fed by the narrowed segment, may have weaker pulses and lower pressures, but the prominent, exam-tested clue is high blood pressure in the arms.

Edema is a nonspecific sign of fluid overload or heart failure and isn’t distinctive for isolated coarctation. Jaundice isn’t a typical feature of this lesion. Cyanosis would suggest a significant mixing lesion or systemic hypoxemia, which isn’t a defining aspect of isolated coarctation. So the most closely linked finding is hypertension in the upper extremities.