Signs and symptoms of aortic coarcation may not develop until the first week after birth, depending on the severity of the coarctation and other associated conditions. While the majority of patients born with this condition may show symptoms within the first months of life, others survive into early childhood or adolescence without exhibiting symptoms or receiving a diagnosis. These patients may visit their physician complaining of exercise intolerance and may complain of extreme fatigue of the lower extremities.

Signs and symptoms of coarctation of the aorta include:

• Peripheral cyanosis. A blue tint to the skin in the lower portion of the body due to lack of oxygen-rich blood in that area (often called blue baby in infants).

  

• High blood pressure in the upper body.
  
  
• Cold feet or legs and low blood pressure in those extremities.
  
  
• Weak, delayed or absent femoral artery pulse (the pulse generally felt in the groin area) and stronger carotid artery pulse (felt in the neck).

Other symptoms include:

• Dizziness
• Headache
• Decreased ability to exercise due to leg cramping upon exertion
• Fainting (syncope)
• Nosebleeds