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A 40-year-old member asked:
When is coarctation of the aorta diagnosed?
3 doctor answers • 6 doctors weighed in
Dr. Alon Gitiganswered
Cardiology 22 years experience
It depends: Coarctation is usually detected routinely by noting a marked discrepancy in blood pressure between the arms and legs. This frequently is part of a work-up for severe hypertension--i.e. Resistant to medications, or occuring in an unusually young patient--which is a result of the obstruction to blood flow through the aorta (with build-up of pressure in the arms, where BP is routinely measured).
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6.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Mark Rasakanswered
Cardiology 35 years experience
As an infant or adul: Diagnosis of coarct can be made by physical exam.Pt usually will have upper extremity hypertension with diminished lower extemity pulses.They usually a murmur. It can be continuous machine like murmur that radiates to the back or a murmur of bicuspid aortic valve disease whis is associated . Pts tend to die in their mid 30s if not treated.Usually from berry aneurysm in brain heart failure mi etc.
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6.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Dr. Sarosh Batlivalaanswered
Pediatric Cardiology 18 years experience
Depends: The time of diagnosis depends on the severity. Cases are diagnosed throughout life, with some cases diagnosed in the first days of life while others are diagnosed in adults. Again, the timing depends on when symptoms develop which lead to the work-up and diagnosis of coarctation.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Similar questions
A 30-year-old member asked:
How do doctors diagnose coarctation of the aorta?
3 doctor answers • 7 doctors weighed in
Dr. Alon Gitiganswered
Cardiology 22 years experience
Physical exam/scans: Coarctation, because it causes obstruction to blood flow through the aorta, will impede normal flow into the lower half of the body. Therefore, it can be detected by measuring accurate blood pressures in the legs and arms, and noting a severe drop-off in the legs. Ct or MRI scans are used to confirm the diagnosis and pinpoint the precise location of the coarctation.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 44-year-old member asked:
What is coarctation of the aorta?
4 doctor answers • 7 doctors weighed in
Dr. Barton Cookanswered
Pediatric Cardiology 33 years experience
Congenital defect: It is a narrowing of the aorta, the major blood vessel that branches off your heart and delivers blood to your body. It is usually congenital, and may range from mild to severe. Surgery may be required as a newborn if critical. It may not be detected until older, depending on severity. It often occurs along with other heart defects. It requires surgery or catheter balloon and/or stenting.
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5.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Last updated Jan 27, 2017
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