What Is Coarctation Of Aorta

The circulatory system of the body is one of the most important systems. The circulatory system carries out the function of the transportation of oxygen, nutrients, and hormones throughout the body. The circulatory system comprises various organs like the heart, pulmonary artery, aorta, superior and inferior Vena cava, etc. Many diseases can affect any of these organs of the circulatory system. The aorta, which is the main artery that carries the blood out of the heart, could be affected by many conditions like the coarctation of the aorta. Let’s learn about the coarctation of the aorta treatment.

Coarctation of the Aorta

Aorta is an important artery that carries the blood away from the heart to the rest of the body. This blood comes from the aortic valve. The aorta is the largest blood vessel in the human body. Its large size makes it prone to many diseases. The aorta originates from the restaurant recall of the heart and is extended towards the abdomen. 

The function of systemic circulation means the aorta supplies blood to the entire body except for the respiratory part of the lung. The coarctation of the aorta is a condition in which the aorta becomes narrow, most commonly in the area where the ductus arteriosus is inserted. 

There is effective coarctation of the aorta treatment available.

The coarctation of the aorta in infants is by which they are born with an aorta that is narrower than usual. Suppose the narrowing is severe and not detected soon, then the baby may develop serious problems later on. Hence, the coarctation of the aorta is considered a critical congenital heart defect. 

The narrowing of the aorta blocks blood flow throughout the body, and the ventricles have to work harder to get the blood out of the heart.

Let’s study the coarctation of the aorta symptoms.

Coarctation of the Aorta Symptoms

In many cases, when the babies with coarctation of the aorta are born, they show no symptoms; hence, it is not detected until later on in their lives.

However, some of the babies do show symptoms. They should undertake the 

coarctation of the aorta treatment.

The symptoms of the coarctation of the aorta among babies shortly after the birth are as given below.

• The skin looks pale in color
• Irritability can be experienced, although hard to detect
• Heavy sweating is observed in the newborn child
• The baby could experience difficulty breathing
• The baby’s feeding could be difficult and poor appetite could be seen

The symptoms of the coarctation of the aorta after infancy are as given below

• A person with coarctation of the aorta could have high blood pressure
• The patient experiences headaches
• Muscle weakness is observed in the patient
• Shortness of breath and near-fainting episodes could be experienced
• Chest pain and nosebleeds could also signify coarctation of the aorta
• Patients usually have cold legs and feet and experience pain in their legs during exercise

If the above-stated symptoms are seen in a patient, they should be diagnosed, and coarctation of the aorta treatment should be given.

Diagnosis of Coarctation of the Aorta

The classic figure 3 sign on x-ray is caused due to indentation of the site of coarctation and helps diagnose the coarctation of the aorta. The most accurate diagnosis of the coarctation of the aorta can be made by magnetic resonance angiography. 

Let us take a look at the coarctation of the aorta treatment.

The Coarctation of the Aorta Treatment

The coarctation of the aorta treatment in adults and children is conservative if the coarctation is asymptomatic. But if arterial hypertension is seen, it may be required to be resected surgically.

The first operation for the coarctation of the aorta treatment took place in the year 1994 in Sweden. An experimental treatment is carried out when a fetus is considered at high risk of developing coarctation of the aorta. This treatment involves the mother inhaling 45% oxygen three times after the 34 weeks gestation period. 

The transfer of oxygen happens through the placenta to the fetus, and hence the fetal lung vessels get dilated. The coarctation of the aorta can reoccur if the patients develop narrowing or dilatation at the site of the previous coarctation.

Conclusion

The aorta is an important part of the circulatory system of the body. It is the largest blood vessel in the human body that carries blood from the heart to the rest of the body except the respiratory part of the lungs. The coarctation of the aorta is a serious health condition in which the size of the aorta narrows. It is usually a congenital disability. The coarctation of the aorta symptoms includes muscle weakness, headaches, severe chest pain, and fainting. The coarctation of the aorta treatment includes surgical resection in case of hypertension.