In coarctation of the aorta, hypertension is observed in which extremities?

In coarctation of the aorta, hypertension is observed in which extremities?

• A. Lower Extremities
• B. Upper Extremities
• C. Both Upper And Lower Extremities Equally
• D. None Of The Above

Answer: (B)

Narrowing of the aorta creates a high-resistance segment that raises pressure upstream of the blockage while distal perfusion drops. Since the constriction is usually after the vessels that supply the head and arms, the arteries feeding the upper body experience higher pressures, whereas blood flow to the lower body is reduced. Clinically this shows as higher blood pressure in the arms compared with the legs, often with weak or delayed femoral pulses. So hypertension is observed in the upper extremities.

Narrowing of the aorta creates a high-resistance segment that raises pressure upstream of the blockage while distal perfusion drops. Since the constriction is usually after the vessels that supply the head and arms, the arteries feeding the upper body experience higher pressures, whereas blood flow to the lower body is reduced. Clinically this shows as higher blood pressure in the arms compared with the legs, often with weak or delayed femoral pulses. So hypertension is observed in the upper extremities.