Coarctation of the aorta
Coarctation of the aorta (pronounced: koh-ark-TAY-shun of the AOR-ta) is a congenital heart defect that is present at birth. It involves a narrowing of the aorta, the large blood vessel that carries oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the rest of the body.
Etymology
The term "coarctation" comes from the Latin "coarctare" meaning "to press together" or "to confine", which describes the narrowing of the aorta. The term "aorta" comes from the Greek "aorte" meaning "that which is hung up" or "the great artery".
Symptoms
Symptoms of coarctation of the aorta can vary greatly depending on the severity of the condition. They may include:
- High blood pressure in the arms
- Weak or absent pulse in the legs
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Cold feet or legs
- Fatigue
- Poor weight gain in infants
Diagnosis
Coarctation of the aorta is typically diagnosed through a combination of physical examination, medical history, and medical imaging techniques such as echocardiogram, MRI, or CT scan.
Treatment
Treatment for coarctation of the aorta typically involves surgery or a procedure called balloon angioplasty. The goal of treatment is to widen the narrowed section of the aorta to allow for normal blood flow.
Related Terms
- Congenital heart defect
- Aorta
- Heart
- High blood pressure
- Pulse
- Echocardiogram
- MRI
- CT scan
- Surgery
- Balloon angioplasty
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Coarctation of the aorta
- Wikipedia's article - Coarctation of the aorta
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