Signs of Coarctation (narrowing) of aorta

Description

A narrowing of the aorta, the large blood vessel that branches off the heart delivering oxygen-rich blood to the body. This narrowing is usually located right after the aorta comes off the heart and causes the heart to work harder. The symptoms experienced depend on extent of the aorta narrowing and how long the condition has been present. This is a congenital abnormality and male infants are twice as likely to be born with this condition as females. Some patients with this disease will have other congenital heart defects as well.

Symptoms

Chest pain, shortness of breath, pounding headache, cold feet, elevated blood pressure with exercise, shortness of breath with exertion.

Tests

A history and physical exam will be performed. Imaging studies to define the aortic defect may include: echocardiography, doppler ultrasound of the aorta, CT scan, MRI, cardiac catheterization and/or aortography.

Standard Workup

CBC
Chem 12
Troponin
X-Ray
EKG
CT Scan
MRI

Treatment

Treatment usually involves surgical repair, but at times balloon angioplasty can be performed. For more information contact the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute Health Information Center at: http://www.nhlbi.nhi.gov or call (301)592-8573.