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Coarctation of the Aorta

A congenital heart and vascular condition in which a specific segment of the aorta is narrowed.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Published:

This content is for general information; please consult your physician for diagnosis and treatment.

References (5)

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What is Coarctation of the Aorta?

Coarctation of the aorta is a congenital condition characterized by narrowing of the aorta, typically just distal to the origin of the left subclavian artery, in the region of the ductus arteriosus. It accounts for roughly 5–8% of congenital heart diseases.

The narrowing forces the left ventricle to pump against higher pressure, resulting in upper-limb hypertension and reduced lower-limb pressure with weak pulses. Over time, left ventricular hypertrophy and heart failure can develop.

While severe narrowing may present with shock in the newborn, milder coarctation can remain silent until young adulthood. Untreated coarctation markedly shortens life expectancy.

Symptoms

High blood pressure in the upper limbs and low pressure in the lower limbs
Weak or delayed femoral pulses (radio-femoral delay)
Exertional dyspnea and leg fatigue
Exercise intolerance with leg cramps
Headache and nosebleeds
Shock and cyanosis in the newborn
A systolic murmur heard over the back on auscultation

Risk Factors

Turner syndrome
Bicuspid aortic valve
Family history of congenital heart disease
Presence of other congenital heart anomalies
Male sex
Prenatal teratogen exposure such as rubella
Genetic conditions such as Williams syndrome

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • When a blood pressure difference between arms and legs is noticed in a young patient
  • New headache in a known patient with bicuspid aortic valve
  • Cardiology evaluation before planning pregnancy
  • When weak femoral pulses are detected in a child

Treatment Methods

01
Balloon angioplasty to widen the narrowing
02
Stent implantation (often preferred in adults)
03
Surgery: resection with end-to-end anastomosis or graft interposition
04
Prostaglandin E1 infusion in the newborn with heart failure
05
Long-term antihypertensive therapy
06
Endocarditis prophylaxis and annual cardiac follow-up

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Kardiyoloji department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

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Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.