How does coarctation of the aorta affect blood pressure in different parts of the body?

Coarctation of the aorta is a congenital disorder characterized by the narrowing of a section of the aorta, the primary artery that distributes blood from the heart to the rest of the body.1

This structural obstruction significantly alters blood pressure distribution throughout the body:

• Upper Body: The constriction creates a partial blockage that results in abnormally high blood pressure in the arms and the upper half of the body.12
• Lower Body: Conversely, blood flow to the abdomen, pelvis, and legs is reduced, leading to lower blood pressure in the lower extremities.1

Because the heart must work harder to pump blood through the narrowed channel, the left ventricle often becomes enlarged. Additionally, the body may attempt to compensate for the restricted flow by enlarging intercostal arteries between the ribs, which can cause characteristic rib notching.1