In coarctation of the aorta, which statement about pulses is true?

In coarctation of the aorta, which statement about pulses is true?

• A. The femoral pulse is delayed relative to the radial pulse
• B. The femoral pulse is felt before the radial pulse
• C. There is no delay between radial and femoral pulses
• D. The radial pulse is absent

Answer: (A)

Coarctation causes a blockage after the arteries that feed the arms, so the upper body still receives blood with normal timing while the lower body gets less flow and is reached more slowly. Because of this, the radial pulse is felt promptly, but the femoral pulse is delayed in timing compared with the radial pulse—a phenomenon known as radiofemoral delay. In more severe cases, the femoral pulse may be weaker due to reduced distal perfusion. The radial pulse is typically present, so saying it is absent isn’t typical, and the idea that the femoral pulse should be felt before the radial pulse doesn’t fit the anatomy of where the narrowing is.

Coarctation causes a blockage after the arteries that feed the arms, so the upper body still receives blood with normal timing while the lower body gets less flow and is reached more slowly. Because of this, the radial pulse is felt promptly, but the femoral pulse is delayed in timing compared with the radial pulse—a phenomenon known as radiofemoral delay. In more severe cases, the femoral pulse may be weaker due to reduced distal perfusion. The radial pulse is typically present, so saying it is absent isn’t typical, and the idea that the femoral pulse should be felt before the radial pulse doesn’t fit the anatomy of where the narrowing is.