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Coarctation of the aorta is a congenital condition that occurs in the aorta, the largest artery in the body. The aorta carries the oxygen-rich blood from the left ventricle to the other parts of the body. In this condition, a section of the aorta is narrower than usual, which results in the heart-pumping harder to move the blood through the aorta.
The coarctation is usually located near a blood vessel known as ductus arteriosus. The blood vessel is ordinarily present in the foetus. It has special tissues in its wall that causes it to close after birth. However, in some cases, the special tissue may extend to the adjacent aorta, narrowing the aorta. Coarctation of the aorta usually may not cause any symptoms in an infant, though it may develop over time. If left untreated, the coarctation of the aorta may be fatal.
Coarctation of the aorta usually doesn't exhibit any symptoms in an infant if it is mild. However, babies with severe coarctation of the aorta can have the following symptoms:
Coarctation of the aorta is generally congenital, and doctors are unsure what causes this condition. However, multiple researchers have pointed out that boys are almost twice as likely to have coarctation of the aorta than girls.
In many cases, the coarctation can occur alone. However, in some, it can occur with other heart defects such as ventricular septal defect, Shone's complex, or DiGeorge syndrome. The condition is also common in babies born with Turner syndrome. Interestingly, the coarctation of the aorta is diagnosed in the early stages. However, some may only be diagnosed once they are teens or adults.
Coarctation of the aorta occurs just beyond the blood vessel that leads to the upper body. With this condition, the heart's lower left chamber pumps blood harder through the narrowed aorta. This can cause high blood pressure in the upper parts of the body and low blood pressure in the lower parts.
Coarctation of the aorta causes a difference in blood pressure in the upper and lower parts of the body. This is one of the most distinguished factors in diagnosing this disease. The doctor may perform a physical examination by listening for any harsh heart murmurs using a stethoscope. The cardiologist may also order different tests to define the severity of the condition. These may include:
Once the defect is identified, the surgeon uses different surgical procedures to widen the aorta. The doctor may suggest going for surgery or other techniques like balloon angioplasty. Depending on the severity and location of the coarctation of the aorta, the doctor may recommend the following treatment:
Certain factors may also increase the risk of coarctation of the aorta, including:
Coarctation of the aorta can cause some long-term complications, including:
Coarctation of the aorta is a severe condition that may be life-threatening if not treated on time. Following the treatment of the condition, the risk of recurrence is still around 5 to 10 per cent. After procedures like angioplasty or stenting, the risk of recurrence is about 11 to 15 per cent. Therefore, one should maintain a healthy lifestyle, like avoiding smoking, eating a healthy diet, avoiding strenuous activities, minimising salt and fat intake, and more. One should also take medications to control high blood pressure caused due to coarctation of the aorta.
Reviewed by Dr. Arun Kumar Gupta, Associate Director, Cardiac Sciences, Cardiology, Cardiac Electrophysiology-Pacemaker, Interventional Cardiology on 29-May-2023.
Max Healthcare is home to 5000 eminent doctors in the world, most of whom are pioneers in their respective fields. Additionally, they are renowned for developing innovative and revolutionary clinical procedures.
Max Healthcare is home to 5000 eminent doctors in the world, most of whom are pioneers in their respective fields. Additionally, they are renowned for developing innovative and revolutionary clinical procedures.
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