Vigorous Carotid Pulse
Coarctation of the aorta is a common congenital condition, accounting for 7% of all congenital heart lesions. An augmented carotid pulse – “carotid swell” – can be a clue to the diagnosis. A sustained systolic arterial wave can be visualized in the suprasternal fossa; it travels outwards along the subclavian arteries and up the carotids, where it is most easily observed.
Patient 1:
This is a young woman who presented with chest pain and dyspnea. She had discordant peripheral pulses and blood pressure readings between the upper and lower extremities, and was ultimately found to have severe coarctation of the aorta.