| Coarctation of the aorta | 1610.00000000000 | Coarctation of the aorta | Coarctation of the aorta | C | English | Cardiology | Child (0-12 years) | Heart | Cardiovascular system | Conditions and diseases | Adult (19+) | NA | | 2009-12-04T05:00:00Z | | | | | | 9.80000000000000 | 51.8000000000000 | 423.000000000000 | | Flat Content | Health A-Z | <p>Learn about coarctation of the aorta. This condition involves a narrowing of the major artery leading from the heart to the body, affecting blood pressure.</p> | <p>Coarctation of the aorta is a narrowing of the aorta, the major artery leading from the heart to the body. It is also referred to as aortic coarctation. </p><p>The two images below compare a normal heart to a heart with a coarctation of the aorta.</p>
<figure class="asset-c-80"><span class="asset-image-title">Normal heart</span><img src="https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/akhassets/Hearts_CHD/Normal_Heart_CHD.jpg" alt="Normal heart showing placement of the atria, ventricles, aorta, superior vena cava, inferior vena cava, pulmonary artery and pulmonary veins" /><figcaption class="asset-image-caption">The heart has two upper (receiving) and two lower (pumping) chambers. Blood flows into the upper chambers (the right atrium and the left atrium). The lower chambers (the right and left ventricles) pump blood out of the heart. The heart valves open and close to keep blood flowing in the correct direction.</figcaption> </figure>
<figure class="asset-c-80">
<span class="asset-image-title">Coarctation of the aorta</span><img src="https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/AKHAssets/Hearts_CHD/Coarctation.jpg" alt="Heart with atrial septal defect that lets blood pass from left atrium to right atrium and enlarge the right ventricle" /><figcaption class="asset-image-caption">Coarctation of the aorta is a narrowing of the major artery (aorta) leading from the heart to the body. This results in the heart having to work harder as it tries to pump blood through the narrowed section of the aorta. A patent ductus arteriosus provides a bypass to the narrowed section of the aorta, allowing blood to reach the body.</figcaption> </figure> | | <h2> Key points </h2>
<ul><li>Coarctation of the aorta decreases the amount of oxygenated blood that can reach the body.</li>
<li>Babies with severe coarctation often show signs of congestive heart failure, difficulty feeding and gaining weight, sweating, and breathing faster than normal.</li>
<li>Most children will need a procedure, such as balloon angioplasty, to help relieve the constriction. </li>
<li>Studies show that long-term survival is shorter than average for people who have been treated for coarctation. </li></ul> | <p>With this condition, blood pressure above the narrowing is high and blood pressure below the narrowing 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. </p><p>Babies with severe coarctation often show signs of congestive heart failure, including difficulty feeding and gaining weight, sweating, and breathing faster than normal. </p><p>A chest X-ray, electrocardiogram, and echocardiogram will be done to make a diagnosis. </p><p>Coarctation of the aorta occurs in 6% to 8% of patients with congenital heart disease. </p><h2>How is coarctation of the aorta treated?</h2><p>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. </p><p>In some children, the narrowing can recur after a procedure. This is called recoarctation. </p><h2>What is the long-term outlook for children with coarctation of the aorta?</h2><p>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. </p> | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Coarctation of the aorta | | False | | | | | | | | |
