Table 4.22 - Coarctation of the Aorta.

Obstruction due to concentric narrowing of the distal aortic arch; usually just beyond the left subclavian artery; produces pressure gradient between ascending and descending aorta.
Increasing enlargement of chest wall arteries allows flow around the obstructive area.
Increasing hypertension in the central aorta occurs with age (may lead to blindness), imposing severe afterload on the LV, with resultant enlargement (see with ECG).
See increased blood pressure and pulses in upper body, with absent or diminished leg pulses.