Coarctation of the aorta (also referred to as aortic coarctation) is a narrowing of the major artery leading from the heart
to the body. Blood pressure above the constriction is high and blood pressure below the constriction is low. This leads to
decreased blood flow to the lower part of the body. Coarctation of the aorta can also cause high blood pressure in the arms.
High blood pressure is often a sign of the defect, as is a heart murmur.
Babies with severe coarctation often show signs of congestive heart failure that include difficulty feeding and gaining weight,
sweating, and breathing faster than normal.
A chest X-ray, electrocardiogram, and echocardiogram will be done to make a diagnosis. Coarctation of the aorta occurs in
6% to 8% of patients with congenital heart disease.
| Coarctation of the Aorta |
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| Coarctation is a narrowing of the major artery leading from the heart to the body. This narrowing decreases the amount of
oxygenated blood that can reach the body. A patent ductus arteriosus allows some additional, though poorly oxygenated, blood
to reach the body.
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How is coarctation of the aorta treated?
Most children will need a procedure, such as balloon angioplasty, to help relieve the constriction. In some cases it will
have to be done immediately, while in others it can be done later in life. Treatment will depend on the age at diagnosis and
the amount of narrowing at the site of the coarctation. In some children, the narrowing can recur after a procedure. This
is called recoarctation.
What is the long-term outlook for children with coarctation of the aorta?
Studies show that long-term survival is shorter than average for people who have been treated for coarctation. Children with
this condition are thought to develop high blood pressure later in life, which can lead to conditions like coronary artery
disease, congestive heart failure, and sudden death.
