Coarctation of the Aorta

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Coarctation of the aorta is a localized narrowing or constriction in the aorta, the large artery that supplies the body with oxygenated (red) blood pumped from the heart. Coarctation obstructs forward blood flow through the aorta to the body. The obstruction can vary from mild to severe.

Coarctation is a relatively common congenital heart defect found mostly in males. Commonly, this defect goes undiagnosed until early adulthood. In over 50 percent of people with coarctation, a bicuspid aortic valve is also present.

Other heart defects sometimes associated with coarctation of the aorta include mitral valve abnormalities, ventricular septal defects (VSD), left ventricular outflow tract obstruction and a patent ductus arteriosus (PDA).

Coarctation of the aorta is often associated with an abnormality in the structure of the arteries. The risk for arterial rupture, dissection and stroke may continue even after a surgical repair. Adequate blood pressure control is very important in order to reduce this risk.

See more information on complications of coarctation of the aorta.

In all cases, regular follow-up with the patient's family physician and cardiologist is very important. A careful evaluation will look for complications associated with coarctation of the aorta. High blood pressure is present in most adults with coarctation and requires treatment in most. Endocarditis prophylaxis is also recommended.