Refractory hypertension and the lower limbs ischaemia as an aortic coarctation symptom

Coarctation of the aorta (CoA) is a very rare cause of secondary hypertension, accounting for 0.1% of cases. The coarctation can present at any age. Hypertension is the most common presenting symptom. All patients with newly diagnosed hypertension must have a physical examination with assessment of the brachial and femoral pulses and measurement of brachial and popliteal blood pressures. A thorough physical examination is a crucial first step in diagnosing aortic coarctation.