In coarctation of the aorta, which is a classic peripheral pulse finding?

• A. Delayed or Weak Femoral Pulses
• B. Bounding Pulses
• C. Normal Pulses
• D. Absent Radial Pulse

Answer: (A)

Coarctation of the aorta creates high pressure before the narrowed segment and reduced flow beyond it, so the lower body arterial supply is diminished. The classic peripheral pulse finding is delayed and weak femoral pulses compared with the arm pulses, often with a radiofemoral delay and a higher blood pressure in the arms than in the legs. This pattern reflects the distal underperfusion caused by the obstruction. Bounding pulses are not typical for coarctation and are more common with conditions like a wide pulse pressure states (for example, aortic regurgitation or PDA). Normal pulses don’t reveal the distal perfusion deficit, and an absent radial pulse would point to different issues.