When is coarctation of the aorta diagnosed?

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).

Dr Ali and another doctor agreed

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.

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.

Dr Lovell agreed