In a case of coarctation of the aorta, what is expected regarding blood pressure measurements?

In a case of coarctation of the aorta, the expected blood pressure measurements reflect the anatomical narrowing of the aorta that typically occurs distal to the left subclavian artery. This results in higher blood pressure readings in the upper body, particularly the arms, while the lower body, including the legs, experiences lower blood pressure due to decreased blood flow.

When a patient presents with coarctation of the aorta, the typical pattern observed is that the blood pressure is significantly elevated in the arms compared to the legs. This occurs because the narrowing obstructs blood flow past the coarctation, leading to higher systolic pressure readings in the upper body where the circulation remains unaffected.

Thus, the correct interpretation of blood pressure measurements in this condition leads to the conclusion that readings are higher in the arms compared to the legs. Recognizing this pattern is essential for diagnosing coarctation of the aorta and understanding its physiological implications.