Coarctation of the Aorta

Question 1

How do you pronounce “Coarctation of the Aorta”?

Answer 1

Coarctation (co-arc-ta-tion) of the Aorta (A-orta)

Question 2

If an infant has Coarctation of the Aorta, …

Answer 2

If an infant has Coarctation of the Aorta, a part of their aorta will be narrower than normal.

Question 3

What does the coarctation (narrowing) do? (2)

Answer 3

The coarctation (of the aorta) blocks normal blood flow and causes the LV to work harder

Question 4

If the narrowing is severe and not diagnosed, …
Therefore, …

Answer 4

If the narrowing is severe and not diagnosed, the infant may have serious problems soon after birth
Therefore, Coarctation of the Aorta is a critical CHD

Question 5

Is Coarctation of the Aorta a critical CHD?

Answer 5

Yes

Question 6

What are some signs and symptoms of Coarctation of the Aorta in babies and infants? (2 and reasons)

Answer 6

Some signs and symptoms of Coarctation of the Aorta in babies and infants include:
-Pulsing of blood in the head and arms (blood in focused on the common carotid and subclavian arteries)
-Weak pulses in the inferior parts of the body (blood is less focused in the descending aorta)

Question 7

What are some early signs of more severe cases of Coarctation of the Aorta? (2)

Answer 7

Some early signs of more severe cases of Coarctation of the Aorta include:
-Pale skin
-Heavy sweating

Question 8

What are some signs and symptoms of Coarctation of the Aorta in older children and adults? (1)

Answer 8

Some signs and symptoms of Coarctation of the Aorta in older children and adults include:
-High BP in arms

Question 9

When is the detection of Coarctation of the Aorta often made?

Answer 9

Detection of Coarctation of the Aorta is often made during the physical exam.

Question 10

What are some indications for Coarctation of the Aorta that is picked up during a physical exam? (6)

Answer 10

Some indications for Coarctation of the Aorta that is often picked up in a physical exam include:
-Pulsing of blood in the head and arms
-Weak pulses in the inferior body
-Pale skin
-Heavy sweating
-High BP in arms
-Heart murmur

Question 11

If Coarctation of the Aorta is suspected, what does the healthcare provider usually do next? (1) Give examples. (4)

Answer 11

If Coarctation of the Aorta is suspected, further tests may be requested. These further tests include:
-Chest X-ray
-ECG
-MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
-Cardiac catherization

Question 12

What is a treatment option for Coarctation of the Aorta? What is it?

Answer 12

Angioplasty
Angioplasty is a surgical procedure in which a guide wire is inserted into a narrowed section of a blood vessel (in this case a section of the Aorta). Then, a balloon is inflated to expand the narrowed section (of the vessel) and a white mesh, called a stent, is left there is keep the vessel open.

Question 13

What is a heart murmur?

Answer 13

A heart murmur is a whooshing sound that can be heard in the heart with a stethoscope due to irregular blood flow through the heart.

Question 14

What does ECG stand for?

Answer 14

Electrocardiogram

Question 15

What does MRI stand for?

Answer 15

Magnetic Resonance Imaging