International Conference on Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine: Coarctation of the Aorta: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Coarctation of the aorta is a congenital heart defect in which a portion of the aorta—the body’s main artery that carries oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the rest of the body—becomes narrowed or constricted. This narrowing forces the heart to pump harder to push blood through the affected area, resulting in high blood pressure in the upper body (arms and head) and lower blood pressure in the lower body (legs and abdomen). The condition can range from mild to severe, with some newborns requiring immediate medical or surgical intervention after birth.

Causes of Coarctation of the Aorta

Coarctation of the aorta is a congenital defect, meaning it develops before birth. It often occurs near the site of the ductus arteriosus, a temporary blood vessel that connects parts of the fetal circulation and normally closes after birth. In some babies, tissue from the ductus arteriosus remains, tightening the aorta as it closes and creating a narrowed section.

While the exact reason this happens is not always clear, the defect is sometimes linked with other congenital heart conditions—such as ventricular septal defect (a hole in the wall between heart chambers)—or with genetic syndromes like Turner syndrome. Boys are slightly more likely to be affected than girls.

Symptoms

The signs and symptoms of coarctation of the aorta depend on how severe the narrowing is and the age at diagnosis.

In newborns and infants: Severe coarctation may cause symptoms shortly after birth. These can include rapid breathing, poor feeding, irritability, extreme sleepiness, or heart failure if not treated quickly.
In older children and adults: Those with milder narrowing may not have symptoms early in life. However, they may develop high blood pressure, headaches, chest pain, cold feet, shortness of breath, fatigue, or leg cramps during exercise. Sometimes, the condition is first noticed during a routine checkup when a doctor finds elevated blood pressure in the arms but weak pulses in the legs.

Diagnosis

Early and accurate diagnosis is key to managing coarctation of the aorta effectively. Doctors often begin with a physical examination, comparing blood pressure readings in the arms and legs and listening for a heart murmur—a sign of turbulent blood flow.

To confirm the diagnosis and evaluate the severity, imaging tests may be performed, such as:

Echocardiogram (ultrasound of the heart): The most common test for infants and children.
Cardiac MRI or CT scan: Used to provide detailed images of the aorta and surrounding structures.
Cardiac catheterization: Sometimes used to measure pressures inside the heart and aorta or to plan treatment.

Treatment Options

The treatment of coarctation of the aorta depends on how narrow the aorta is and the patient’s age and overall health.

Surgery:
Surgical repair involves removing the narrowed portion of the aorta and reconnecting the two healthy ends or widening the area with a patch. This procedure is often performed in infants or young children with significant narrowing.
Catheter-based procedures:
In some cases, especially in older children or adults, a balloon angioplasty may be done. During this minimally invasive procedure, a balloon-tipped catheter is inserted and inflated at the site of narrowing to stretch the aorta open. A stent may also be placed to help keep the artery open.
Long-term management:
Even after successful treatment, people with coarctation of the aorta require lifelong follow-up. Regular monitoring through blood pressure checks and imaging tests ensures that the aorta remains open and that no new narrowing has developed. Some patients may also need medication to control blood pressure or prevent complications.

Prognosis and Outlook

With modern surgical and catheter-based techniques, most people with coarctation of the aorta live healthy, active lives. However, ongoing follow-up with a cardiologist is essential, as problems such as re-narrowing (recoarctation), aneurysm formation, or persistent high blood pressure can occur even years after treatment. Early diagnosis and proper care greatly improve long-term outcomes.

In summary, coarctation of the aorta is a serious but treatable congenital heart defect. Awareness, timely diagnosis, and continuous medical care can make a significant difference in improving the quality of life and long-term heart health of those affected.

#CoarctationOfTheAorta, #CongenitalHeartDefect, #AorticNarrowing, #CardiacSurgery, #AorticArch, #Hypertension, #PediatricCardiology, #Echocardiography, #BalloonAngioplasty, #StentPlacement, #CardiovascularHealth, #HeartMurmur, #AorticRepair, #LeftVentricularHypertrophy, #NeonatalCardiology, #HeartDefectAwareness, #CardiacIntervention, #VascularSurgery, #HeartCondition, #MedicalResearch,

International Conference on Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine

Visit : cardiology.pencis.com

Award nomination: https://cardiology-conferences.pencis.com/award-nomination/?ecategory=Awards&rcategory=Awardee

Award Registration: https://cardiology-conferences.pencis.com/award-registration/

For Enquiries: supportteam@pencis.com

Get Connected here:

http://www.linkedin.com/in/cardiology-conference-and-awards-147195365

pencisconference.blogspot.com/

youtube.com/channel/UCOLcQMP_3eAjwP3USoWq0-g

https://www.tumblr.com/cardiologyconferences

https://www.instagram.com/cardiology_awards/