Aortic Coarctation |
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Aortic coarctation is a birth defect that causes a narrowing of the aorta, a blood vessel that carries blood from the heart to the rest of the body. When this condition occurs, blood flow is restricted to the lower part of the body. One of the symptoms is an increase in blood pressure above the restricted area of the blood vessel, which could cause the heart to work harder to circulate blood.
The left ventricle — one of the four chambers of the heart — may become swollen and weak due to the strain, causing one or more chambers of the heart to fail to keep up with the volume of blood flowing through them. This may result in congestive heart failure.
The restricted blood vessel also can cause high blood pressure in the arteries that branch out from the aorta, including those in the arms and brain. This may increase risk for a stroke.
Below the narrowing, the blood pressure may be too low, causing problems in blood circulation to organs such as the kidneys.
At UCSF Children's Hospital, our pediatric heart specialists are experts in diagnosing and treating aortic coarctation. This condition is repaired, using a stent graft, in our Pediatric Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory. A stent graft is a tiny tube made of fabric and metal mesh which is used to widen the vessel. Following repair, most children enjoy normal growth and development.
For more information or to make an appointment, please call:
Pediatric Heart Center (415) 353-2008
For help finding a doctor, please contact our Physician Referral Service:
Reviewed by health care specialists at UCSF Children's Hospital.
Last updated May 25, 2007
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