MRCP UK EXAMINATIONS

Detailed explanation-1: -Blood pressure in both arms and one leg must be determined; a pressure difference of more than 20 mm Hg in favor of the arms may be considered evidence of coarctation of the aorta.

Detailed explanation-2: -Since the narrowing of the aorta is usually located after arteries branch to the upper body, coarctation in this region can lead to normal or high blood pressure and pulsing of blood in the head and arms and low blood pressure and weak pulses in the legs and lower body.

Detailed explanation-3: -With coarctation of the aorta, the left lower heart chamber (left ventricle) works harder to pump blood through the narrowed aorta. As a result, blood pressure rises in the left ventricle.

Detailed explanation-4: -Physical findings: The hallmarks of coarctation of the aorta are absent leg pulses and a difference in blood pressure between the arms and legs (high blood pressure in the arms and low to normal blood pressure in the legs).