Back to Conditions and TreatmentCoarctation of the Aorta
What is Coarctation of the Aorta?
Coarctation of the aorta is a birth defect that causes a portion of the aorta to narrow. The aorta is the major artery that runs from the heart and supplies the rest of the body with blood. The disease can lead to life-threatening heart problems if it is not treated.
Causes
- Genetic disorders
- Birth defects of the aortic valve
Risk Factors
- Genetic disorders
- Birth defects of the aortic valve
What are the Symptoms?
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Fainting or dizziness
- Headache
- Cold feet or legs
- Nosebleeds
- Leg cramps or high blood pressure while you exercise
- Limited ability to exercise
- Poor growth in children with the disease
How is Coarctation of the Aorta Diagnosed?
- Chest X-ray: Electromagnetic energy produces pictures of the structures in the chest, including the arteries.
- Echocardiogram: An exam that evaluates the structure and function of the heart, arteries and other structures in the chest through sound waves recorded on an electronic sensor.
- Ultrasound imaging: Sound waves are used to measure blood flow in the artery and determine whether there is an aneurysm.
- Computed tomography (CT) scan: X-ray slices of the aorta are taken to determine if there are any aneurysms.
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan: Radio waves and magnetic fields are used to show areas where an aneurysm may be present.
- Cardiac catheterization and aortography: A cardiac catheterization sends a catheter into either side of the heart to get information about how the heart and its major arteries are functioning. An aortography injects a contrast agent – similar to a dye – into the aorta, then uses X-rays to check for any narrowing of the artery.
Treatment at UVA's Heart and Vascular Center
- Surgery: The narrowed portion of the aortic artery is removed or opened. If a gap remains following removal of the narrowed section of the artery, a tube or graft may be used to connect the two portions of the artery.
- Angioplasty: A catheter with a balloon on its tip is inserted into the body through a small incision in the groin, then is advanced to the narrowed portion of the aorta. The balloon is then inflated to open up the artery.