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Coarctation of the Aorta
What Is Coarctation of the Aorta?
Coarctation of the aorta is a heart defect linked to congenital heart disease that results in a narrowing of the aorta, the largest artery in the body. This narrowing of the aorta restricts the amount of blood that can travel to the lower part of the body.
Coarctation of the aorta occurs in about 6 to 8 percent of all children with congenital heart disease. Boys have the defect twice as often as girls do. In some cases, coarctation is noted in infancy. In others it may not be diagnosed until school age or adolescence.
Symptoms of coarctation of the aorta
While many adolescents or young adults with coarctation of the aorta have no symptoms, others may suffer from:
- Hypertension
- Chest pain
- Claudication
- Headaches
The symptoms of coarctation of the aorta may resemble other medical conditions or heart problems. Always consult your physician for a diagnosis.
What causes coarctation of the aorta?
Often times heart defects occur by chance, with no real explanation as to their cause. Other causes of heart defects may include:
- A gene defect
- A chromosomal abnormality
- Exposure to environmental toxins
Diagnosing coarctation of the aorta?
If your physician believes that you may have a heart defect, you will be referred to a cardiologist. A cardiologist specializes in the diagnosis and medical management of congenital heart defects.
Diagnostic testing for congenital heart disease varies by age, clinical condition, and institutional preferences. Some tests your doctor recommends may include the following:
Treatments for coarctation of the aorta
A physician will determine specific treatment for coarctation of the aorta based on the medical history and personal preference of each patient. Other factors that will determine course of treatment may include:
- Age and health of patient
- Extent of the disease
- Patient’s tolerance for medications, procedure and therapies
Learn more about treatments for coarctation of the aorta.
Adult Congenital Heart Program
See a Stanford specialist to learn about your treatment options. Visit our clinic to make an appointment.
Coarctation of the Aorta
Our experts at Stanford diagnose and treat coarctation of the aorta using MRI, EKG and interventional cardiac catheterization.
Coarctation of the Aorta
CoA
aortic coarctation