Coarctation of the Aorta
What is Coarctation of the Aorta?
Coarctation of the aorta is also called aortic narrowing. If your aorta is narrow, it means your heart must pump harder to force blood through the narrow part.
Although this condition can affect any part of the aorta, the defect is most often located near a blood vessel called the ductus arteriosus. Symptoms can range from mild to severe.
Treatment is usually successful, but this condition still requires careful lifelong follow-up.
Coarctation of the aorta often occurs along with other heart defects.
What are the symptoms of coarctation of the aorta?
Coarctation of the aorta commonly presents at birth. Sometimes it might not be detected until adulthood, depending on how much the aorta is narrowed.
Babies with severe coarctation of the aorta may begin having symptoms shortly after birth. These signs may include:
- Pale skin
- Irritability
- Â Heavy sweating
- Difficulty breathing
- Difficulty feeding
Adults with coarctation of the aorta may also have signs or symptoms of other heart defects, which often occur with the condition.
Signs or symptoms of coarctation of the aorta after infancy commonly include:
- High blood pressure
- Headaches
- Muscle weakness
- Leg cramps or cold feet Nosebleeds
- Chest pain
What kind of treatment options are there?
Treatment for coarctation of the aorta will depend on how old the person is when diagnosed, and how much of the aorta is narrowed.
Treatment can include medication, surgery or other procedures.
