Study note

Coarctation of the aorta: location and pressure effects

THE CONTEXT

Aortic narrowing near the ductal junction produces different circulatory effects proximal and distal to the obstruction.

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Narrowing occurs where the ductus arteriosus joins the aorta, at the isthmus just below the origin of the left subclavian artery.

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Blood pressure rises in head and neck vessels proximal to the coarctation.

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Distal to the narrowing, blood pressure is reduced and circulation is impaired.

NEETx

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