Coarctation of the Aorta

Coarctation of the Aorta is a condition where the large blood vessel called the aorta, which carries blood from the heart to the rest of the body, is narrowed. This narrowing mainly affects the circulatory system and can cause high blood pressure in the arms and low blood flow to the legs. People with this condition may experience symptoms like high blood pressure, headaches, or leg cramps due to reduced blood supply. It is often present from birth and can vary in severity. The heart has to work harder to pump blood through the narrowed section, which can lead to heart complications over time. Early diagnosis is important to manage the condition and prevent serious problems.

Coarctation of the Aorta is a congenital cardiovascular defect characterized by a discrete or long segment narrowing of the aortic lumen, typically just distal to the origin of the left subclavian artery near the ligamentum arteriosum. This narrowing results from abnormal development of the aortic wall, often involving medial thickening and fibrosis. The pathophysiology leads to increased afterload on the left ventricle, causing left ventricular hypertrophy and systemic hypertension proximal to the coarctation, with diminished perfusion distal to the lesion. It is frequently associated with other congenital anomalies such as bicuspid aortic valve and Turner syndrome. Clinically, it presents with hypertension in the upper extremities, weak or delayed femoral pulses, and may cause complications like aortic rupture, heart failure, or intracranial hemorrhage if untreated. Diagnosis and management are critical to prevent long-term morbidity and mortality.