Coarctation of the Aorta Flashcards
Coarctation of the aorta
narrowing of the aorta
Change in perfusion
decreases oxygenated blood to the body, increases pressure and workload of the heart
More common in males or females
males
Murmur?
soft systolic under L scapula
Possible cause
ductal tissue in fetal development attaches to aorta, narrowing the aorta after closure
BP changes
elevated in upper body, diminished in lower body
What does increased BP cause
risk for aortic rupture, aneurysm, CVA
What does decreased BP cause
poor perfusion
Why does collateral circulation occur
for blood to flow to the descending aorta
Why is an echo used
to evaluate the extent of aortic narrowing and assess for collateral circulation
Why is a chest xray used
to monitor for L side heart enlargement, rib notching, collateral enlarged arteries
Treatment
balloon angioplasty, surgical repair
