16876 Aortic Coarctation
Informed by recognized medical guidance
Overview
Aortic coarctation is a narrowing of the aorta, the large artery that carries oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the rest of the body. This narrowing makes it harder for blood to flow through, so the heart has to work extra hard to pump blood. It is a condition that a person is born with.
Key facts
- The aorta is the body’s main blood vessel, carrying blood from the heart to everywhere else.
- In coarctation, one part of the aorta is unusually narrow, which can raise blood pressure in the arms and reduce blood flow to the lower body.
- It is usually present from birth, but some people don’t find out until later in life.
- With proper treatment, most people can live active, normal lives.
Aortic coarctation is not common. It affects about 1 in every 2,500 to 3,000 babies born. It is one of the more common congenital heart conditions, but it is still rare overall.
It most often affects babies and children. It can also be first discovered in teenagers or adults, especially if the narrowing is mild. It happens slightly more often in males than females.
Symptoms
- Sudden severe chest pain
- Fainting or passing out
- Sudden severe trouble breathing
- Sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body
- Sudden confusion or trouble speaking
- ⚠New or worsening headache with vision changes
- ⚠Chest pain that comes and goes
- ⚠A big difference in blood pressure between the arm and leg
- ⚠Legs that are very cool to the touch or painful
Common symptoms
- High blood pressure in the arms
- Headaches
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Shortness of breath
- Cold legs or feet
- Weak or absent pulses in the groin or legs
- Muscle cramps or weakness in the legs with exercise
Symptoms in children
- Fast breathing or trouble feeding
- Poor weight gain
- Pale or gray skin
- Sweating, especially while feeding
- Being unusually tired or fussy
- A heart murmur — a whooshing sound a doctor hears with a stethoscope
Symptoms in older adults
- High blood pressure that is hard to control
- Frequent or severe headaches
- Chest tightness or pain
- Shortness of breath
- Leg pain or fatigue when walking or exercising
- Nosebleeds
Causes
Main causes
- The exact cause is usually unknown.
- It develops while the baby is growing in the womb.
- It may be linked to how the aorta forms during early development.
- Some genetic conditions, such as Turner syndrome, are associated with it.
- It is not caused by anything a parent did or did not do.
Risk factors
- Being born with a genetic condition like Turner syndrome
- Having other congenital heart defects
- Having a family history of congenital heart disease — though many cases have no family history
When to see a doctor
See a doctor urgently if:
- If you or your child have any emergency symptoms listed above, call your local emergency number right away.
- If you notice a baby is pale, sweaty, or struggling to feed, seek urgent care.
- If you or your child has chest pain, fainting, or severe shortness of breath, get emergency help immediately.
Book a routine appointment if:
- Make a non-urgent appointment if you or your child has high blood pressure, poor feeding, unexplained leg symptoms, or a heart murmur.
- If a doctor has mentioned aortic coarctation, book a follow-up visit to discuss next steps.
Diagnosis
A doctor will ask about symptoms, check the pulse in the arms and legs, and measure blood pressure in more than one limb. If coarctation is suspected, imaging tests are used to confirm it.
Tests that may be done
- Blood pressure readings in both arms and a leg
- Listening to the heart with a stethoscope
- Echocardiogram — an ultrasound of the heart
- Chest X-ray
- CT scan or MRI of the chest
- Sometimes cardiac catheterization — a thin tube is guided through a blood vessel to take pictures and measure pressures
What to expect at your appointment
Most tests are painless and safe. You will likely be referred to a cardiologist, a doctor who specializes in the heart. The cardiologist will explain the results and talk with you about treatment choices. You can ask questions at any time.
Treatment
Treatment for aortic coarctation usually involves a procedure to open or widen the narrowed part of the aorta. The right approach depends on the person’s age, the severity of the narrowing, and their overall health. After treatment, regular follow-up is very important.
Self-care at home
- Go to all follow-up appointments with your or your child’s cardiologist.
- Take any prescribed medicines exactly as directed by your healthcare provider.
- Keep a record of blood pressure readings if you have been asked to check them at home.
- Tell every new doctor, dentist, or hospital about your or your child’s heart condition.
- Report any new or worsening symptoms right away.
Medical treatments
Medicines, such as blood pressure-lowering treatments, may be used to reduce strain on the heart. They can help manage symptoms but do not fix the narrowing itself. Your doctor will decide if any medicine is needed and which one is right for you or your child.
When is surgery considered?
Surgery is often recommended, especially for infants and people with severe symptoms. In surgery, the narrowed section can be removed and the healthy ends reconnected, or a small patch can be used to widen the area. Another option is balloon angioplasty, where a small balloon is inflated inside the narrowed blood vessel to open it. In some cases, a wire mesh tube called a stent is placed to keep the vessel open. Your cardiologist will explain which option is best.
Living with this condition
After successful treatment, most people live full and active lives. You will need regular checkups to monitor blood pressure and the repaired area. Many people have no major restrictions and can take part in normal daily activities.
Lifestyle tips
- Stay physically active, but ask your doctor which sports and activities are safest for you.
- Keep your blood pressure in a healthy range.
- Do not smoke or vape.
- Limit alcohol.
- Keep up with regular medical and dental checkups.
- Tell any new healthcare provider about your heart condition.
Diet and exercise
Eat a balanced diet with plenty of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and lean proteins. Try to limit salt, which can help keep blood pressure down. Exercise is healthy for most people with coarctation, but check with your care team for any specific advice — for example, some people are advised to avoid very heavy weightlifting.
Mental health and emotional wellbeing
Living with a heart condition can sometimes cause anxiety, stress, or worry about the future. These feelings are normal. It is okay to ask for help. Talking to a counselor, a family member, or your healthcare team can make a real difference.
Prevention
Aortic coarctation develops before birth, so it cannot be prevented. But early detection and treatment can prevent many complications later in life. Regular blood pressure checks and prompt attention to symptoms are key.
Vaccines
Keep up with recommended vaccinations, including flu and other routine vaccines, to reduce the risk of infections that can put extra strain on the heart.
Screening programmes
There is no routine screening for everyone, but during pregnancy a prenatal ultrasound may sometimes show signs of a heart problem. After birth, some newborns have a simple pulse-oximetry test that can suggest certain heart conditions. In children and adults, checking blood pressure in both an arm and a leg during routine exams can help spot coarctation early.
Complications
If left untreated
- Persistent high blood pressure
- Heart failure — the heart becomes too weak to pump blood effectively
- Aneurysm — a bulging weakness in the wall of the aorta
- Stroke
- Aortic rupture — a tear in the aorta that is life-threatening
- Kidney damage
- Infection of the heart valves, called endocarditis
Long-term outlook
With prompt treatment, the outlook is very good. Most people with aortic coarctation go on to live healthy, productive lives. Even if it is discovered in adulthood, treatment can still improve symptoms and protect the heart. Your healthcare team will be with you at every stage.
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Always verify with your doctor
Health guidelines vary by country and region. The information in this article is based on international clinical guidelines but may not reflect the specific guidelines, medications, or practices in your country. Always discuss your health concerns with your own doctor or healthcare provider, and refer to your local national health guidelines where available.
Important notice This information is for educational purposes only. It does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider about your specific situation. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency services immediately.
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Sources and guidance
This article is educational and is prepared with reference to recognized health information and clinical guidance sources where available. Specific source links may vary by topic.
Last updated: July 31, 2026
Educational note: This information is for education only and is not a diagnosis.
Use it to support, not replace, advice from a licensed clinician.
If symptoms are severe, worsening, or urgent, call your local emergency number or seek emergency care.