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Coarctation of the aorta
Definition:
Aortic coarctation is a birth defect in which the major artery from the heart (the aorta) is narrowed somewhere along its length, most commonly just past the point where the aorta and the subclavian artery meet. Alternative Names:
Aortic coarctation
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Causes, incidence, and risk factors:
Coarctation means narrowing. Aortic coarctation is a birth defect (congenital disorder) in which part of the aorta is narrowed. The aorta carries blood from the heart to the vessels that supply the body with blood and nutrients. Aortic coarctation causes low blood pressure and low blood flow in the arteries that branch off below the narrow spot. It also leads to high blood pressure in the arteries that branch off closer to the heart. People with this condition often have high blood pressure in the upper body and arms (or one arm) and low blood pressure in the lower body and legs. Aortic coarctation is more common in some genetic conditions such as Turner's syndrome. However, it can also be associated with congenital abnormalities of the aortic valve such as a bicuspid aortic valve. Aortic coarctation occurs in approximately 1 out of 10,000 people. It is usually diagnosed in children or adults under age 40.
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