Coarctation of the Aorta
Sherly Fleurimont
BSC-2086
FUNCTION OF THE AORTA
It is the body’s
main artery.
It distributes
oxygen-rich blood
to all body parts
except lungs.
The first branch of
the aorta go to
arms head.
Blood goes to
abdomen and legs.
Coarctation of the aorta
It is a narrowing of part of
the aorta between the
upper part of the body
artery branches and the
branches of the lower
body.
Blockage can cause:
Increase blood pressure in
arms and head
Reduce blood pressure in
legs
Seriously strain heart.
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
Usually there aren’t any
symptoms, but if
obstruction is severe,
you may:
Not tolerate exercise.
Have headache.
Have leg pain after exertion.
Have chest pain or
palpitation.
Dizziness, shortness of
breath, nosebleed, cold feet or
legs.
Pounding headache
DIAGNOSIS
Test to diagnose this
condition may
include:
Physical exam
Take blood pressure in
arms and legs
Check pulse in the femoral
area
Chest x-ray
Electrocardiography
MRI of the chest
Cardiac Catheterization
and aortography
Doppler ultrasound of the
aorta
TREATMENT
Surgery is usually
recommended
The narrowed part of the aorta
will be removed.
If the problem area is small, the
two free ends of the aorta may
be reconnected. This procedure
is called Anastomosis.
If a large part of the aorta is
removed, a Dacron Graft
(synthetic material) is used to fill
the gap.
In some cases, balloon
angioplasty may be done
instead of surgery.
EXPECTATIONS
Coarctation of the aorta can be cured with
surgery. Symptoms quickly get better after
surgery.
There’s an increase risk for death due to
heart problems among those with aorta
repaired.
Without treatment, death occurs before age
40