Coarctation of the Aorta
The aorta is the main artery that sends oxygen rich blood from the heart to the body.
Coarctation of the aorta is a constricted segment of the aorta that obstructs blood flow
to the body. The left ventricle has to pump harder because the pressure is high. Because
of this, the heart may enlarge. Coarctations typically occur as isolated defects, but may
occur with a ventricular septal defect, subaortic stenosis, or complex congenital heart
defects.
Surgery may be needed to correct the defect, depending on the severity of the
coarctation and the presence of other congenital defects. Another option may be a balloon
angioplasty. This procedure is done in the cardiac catheterization lab. Your physician
should discuss the various options for your child.
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coarctation of the aorta |
