Coarctation of the Aorta

Overview

Mayo Clinic is one of the world's leading centers for treatment of congenital heart disease, including coarctation of the aorta. Mayo doctors helped develop a way to correct coarctation of the aorta in the 1940s and have treated this problem in more than 1,000 children and adults.

Cardiologists, cardiovascular surgeons, anesthesiologists and other specialists work closely to care for patients with congenital heart disease. Mayo Clinic also conducts research to develop new treatments for congenital heart disease and evaluate the effectiveness of those treatments.

Diagnosis

Coarctation of the aorta may first be noticed when the blood pressure in the upper part of the body is higher than in the lower part of the body. A variety of tests are used to confirm the diagnosis. Read more about coarctation of the aorta diagnosis.

Treatment Options

For people without symptoms and with mild obstruction related to coarctation, regular observation and monitoring are reasonable. Coarctation of the aorta is usually treated surgically by removing the area of obstruction. A surgical repair done in childhood may need to be redone in adulthood. Read more about coarctation of the aorta treatment options.

Read more about congenital heart defects at www.MayoClinic.com, a service of Mayo Foundation for Education and Research