Coarctation of Aorta
Coarctation of Aorta
Coarctation of aorta is a condition in which there is narrowing of aorta which is a major blood vessel of the body. This narrowing of artery apply pressure to the heart to forcefully pump the blood.
Symptoms
Symptoms are usually mild and person remains asymptomatic. However, babies with severe condition presents as follows;
- Irritability
- Skin become paled
- Intense sweating
- Problematic breathing and feeding
In adulthood symptoms presents as;
- Hypertension
- Weakness of muscles
- Headache
- Feets become cold
- Muscle cramps
- Chest pain
- Bleeding from nose
Causes
Mostly coarctation of aorta present at birth and is congenital in nature. However, later in life it develops from following causes;
- Arteriosclerosis ( development of plague in major vessel)
- Inflammation of arteries.
Complications
In infancy untreated coarctation lead to sudden heart failure and death. Other major complications include;
- Brain haemorrhage or bulge arteries in the brain ( brain aneurysm)
- Stroke
- Aortic dissection
- Premature coronary artery disease.
- Heart failure
Some concerning complications can also result even after the surgery of this condition like;
- Re narrowing of aorta
- Hypertension
- Aortic aneurysm and rupture.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis involve detailed medical and past history along with complete general physical examination. Other test and techniques for diagnoses are;
- CT scan
- MRI
- Echocardiogram
- Chest xray
- Electrocardiogram
- CT angiogram
- Cardiac catheterization
Treatment
Treatment options include;
- Medication are prescribed to control the possible complications like hypertension or other congenital simultaneously occurring heart defect.
- Surgeries like ressection with end-to-end anastomosis, Subclavian flap aortoplasty, Bypass graft repair, Patch aortoplasty, balloon angioplasty and stenting.
Home Remedies
- Exercise regularly
- Try not to get pregnant if you have this condition.
- It’s crucial to prevent endocarditis which is the Inflammation of lining of heart due to bacterial infection by taking antibiotics before dental procedures.