Secondary arterial hypertension in a young adult: aortic coarctiation associated with bicuspid aortic valve

Abstract

Aortic coarctation (CoA) remains an important but frequently underrecognized cause of secondary arterial hypertension in young individuals. Despite advances in cardiovascular imaging, delayed diagnosis is still common, particularly in patients without pronounced clinical signs during childhood. We present a clinical case of an 18-year-old male with newly detected severe arterial hypertension in whom comprehensive diagnostic evaluation revealed native aortic coarctation combined with a bicuspid aortic valve (BAV). The report emphasizes the importance of routine blood pressure measurement in all extremities and highlights imaging modalities as key tools in identifying hemodynamically significant obstruction, even in the presence of modest pressure gradients. Early detection of CoA is essential for preventing long-term cardiovascular complications and ensuring optimal therapeutic outcomes.