The ECG findings associated with an aortic coarctation depend on the severity of the narrowing and the pressure gradient. Milder cases may present with a normal EKG. However, more severe coarctations will be associated with abnormal EKG’s showing evidence of left ventricular hypertrophy.

In infants and adolescents, an aortic coarctation may be asymptomatic on an electrocardiogram and show no evidence of abnormal tracings. This is generally true for milder forms of aortic coarctation. Patients with additional associated congenital heart disease may have abnormal EKG tracings as a result of the complications/interactions of multiple conditions. In infants, severe aortic coarctation will present in right ventricular hypertrophy.

In older adolescents and adults, milder forms of the coarctation may present with a normal EKG. More severe coarctations will present in left ventricular hypertrophy where there are T wave and ST segment changes/abnormalities found in the left precordial leads. In some severe cases, evidence may present that includes right ventricular conduction delay.

Cardiology