Coarctation of the aorta: cause of low-recognized high blood pressure at the first level of care

Abstract

Aorta coarctation is a rare cause of secondary high blood pressure, and also accounts for approximately 5-10% of congenital heart disease. This report relates the case of a 42-year-old woman, with a history of refractory high blood pressure, who received an inadequate diagnosis and management at the first level of care. Eventually, she was diagnosed with a coarctation of the aorta. It highlights the importance of detailed anamnesis and clinical examination in routine medical practice and good anamnesis as the main tool of any medical act, as well as the timely referral to the corresponding specialty for its management.