simple>
Chest pain, pressure, or discomfort that happens when the heart muscle does not get enough blood to supply its needs. The medical term for this type of chest pain is "angina. " �A severe, sharp, "tearing " � pain in the chest or back that is caused by a tear in the aorta. Medical terms for a tear in the aorta are "aortic dissection " � or "aortic rupture. " �Sudden facial droop or uneven face, weakness or numbness in an arm, or trouble speaking " � These are symptoms of a stroke. A stroke is when a part of the brain dies because it goes without blood for too long. Strokes can happen if an artery in the brain closes off or starts to bleed.
People with aortic coarctation usually have high blood pressure in their arms (especially the right arm) but low blood pressure in their legs. Also, their pulse is much weaker in the groin area than in the neck or arms. � �
Are there tests for aortic coarctation? " � Yes. The doctor will do an exam and measure your pulse and blood pressure in your arms and legs. Other tests include: � �
- An electrocardiogram " � This test measures the electrical activity of the heart. It is also called an "ECG " � or "EKG. " �
- An echocardiogram " � This test uses sound waves to take pictures of your heart and aorta.
- An MRI or CT scan " � These tests can take pictures of your aorta as well as the blood vessels in the head.
- A cardiac catheterization - During this test, the doctor inserts a thin tube into a blood vessel in your leg or arm and advances the tube to your aorta. Then the doctor injects a dye that shows up on an X-ray. This dye can show how much your aorta has narrowed.
How is aortic coarctation treated? " � The type of treatment you have depends how much your aorta has narrowed, your symptoms, and your age. Treatments include: � �
- Angioplasty " � During angioplasty, a doctor puts a thin tube into a blood vessel in the leg or arm and advances the tube to the aorta. Then the doctor inflates a balloon inside the narrow part of the aorta to widen it. In some cases, the doctor props open the aorta using a mesh tube called a "stent. " �
- Surgery " � Different types of surgery can fix the narrowed aorta. The surgeon might remove the narrowed part of the aorta. In some cases, he or she uses a plastic tube called a "graft " � or a piece of another one of your blood vessels to fix the aorta.
What if I want to get pregnant? " � Women with aortic coarctation who want to get pregnant should talk to their doctor about the risks. Most women who have been treated can have a baby safely. � �
In some women who have not been treated for aortic coarctation, pregnancy can be dangerous and in rare cases, fatal. The most common problem is high blood pressure. If a woman's blood pressure stays in a normal range during her pregnancy, she can be treated for the condition after she delivers. But if her blood pressure gets too high, she might need to deliver early or get treatment before giving birth. � �
What will my life be like? " � Many people with aortic coarctation are able to live normal lives. But high blood pressure and aortic coarctation can return after treatment. So you will need to see your doctor regularly and get follow-up testing as recommended. Also, you should check with your doctor about what types of exercise you can do. � �
All topics are updated as new evidence becomes available and our peer review process is complete. � �
This topic retrieved from UpToDate on: Nov 04, 2014. � �
Topic 17179 Version 3.0 � �
Release: 22.8 - C22.208 � �
� � 2014 UpToDate, Inc. All rights reserved. � �
figure 1
Aortic coarctation
The aorta is the main artery that delivers blood from the heart to the body. Aortic coarctation is a heart defect that causes the aorta to narrow (see arrow).
Graphic 65713 Version 1.0
View Originalfigure 1
Aortic coarctation
The aorta is the main artery that delivers blood from the heart to the body. Aortic coarctation is a heart defect that causes the aorta to narrow (see arrow).
Graphic 65713 Version 1.0
View Original
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you.The use of UpToDate content is governed by the UpToDate Terms of Use. � �2014 UpToDate, Inc. All rights reserved. � �
Copyright
� � 2014 UpToDate, Inc. All rights reserved. � �