Definition
The aorta is the main artery carrying oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the body. Aortic coarctation is the narrowing of the aorta which slows or blocks the blood flow. It is often associated with other heart and vascular conditions, like abnormal heart valves or blood vessel outpouching. These conditions carry a risk of additional future problems.
| Heart and Main Vessels |
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Causes
Aortic coarctation is a congenital heart defect, which means it is present at birth. It occurs because of a problem with the development of the aorta while the fetus in the uterus.
Risk Factors
Men are at increased risk. Other factors that increase the chances of aortic coarctation:
- Turner syndrome
- Family history of aortic coarctation
Symptoms
Aortic coarctation may or may not have symptoms. When present, symptoms may include:
- Cold legs and feet
- Shortness of breath, especially with exercise
- Lightheadedness
- Leg cramps after exercise
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Nosebleeds
- Fainting
- Chest pain
Diagnosis
You will be asked about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done.
Images tests may include:
Treatment
Talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you. Treatment options include the following:
Surgery
The narrow section of the aorta can be removed surgically. The 2 healthy ends can be reconnected.
Balloon Angioplasty
A tiny catheter tube is inserted into a blood vessel in the leg and threaded up to the aorta. There, a balloon is inflated to expand the narrow area. A stent may be placed to keep the area open.
| Balloon Angioplasty |
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Prevention
There are no current guidelines to prevent aortic coarctation because it is a congenital defect.
RESOURCES
American Heart Association http://www.heart.org
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov
CANADIAN RESOURCES
Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada http://www.heartandstroke.ca
University of Ottawa Heart Institute https://www.ottawaheart.ca
References
Coarctation of aorta. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at: http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T116066/Coarctation-of-aorta . Updated June 16, 2017. Accessed March 1, 2018.
Coarctation of the aorta. Kids Health—Nemours Foundation website. Available at: http://kidshealth.org/en/teens/coa.html. Updated January 2017. Accessed March 1, 2018.
Coarctation of the aorta (CoA). American Heart Association website. Available at: http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/CongenitalHeartDefects/AboutCongenitalHeartDefects/Coarctation-of-the-Aorta-CoA%5FUCM%5F307022%5FArticle.jsp#.WpgysGrwZQI. Updated January 19, 2018. Accessed March 1, 2018.
Congenital heart defects. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute website. Available at: https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/congenital-heart-defects. Accessed March 1, 2018.
Revision Information
- Reviewer: EBSCO Medical Review Board Michael J. Fucci, DO, FACC
- Review Date: 03/2018
- Update Date: 03/18/2013