Coarctation of the aorta

Overview of Coarctation of the aorta The aorta is the longest arterial system within your body. It carries rich oxygenated blood to your entire body. Aorta narrowing (aortic coarctation) makes your heart pump more forcefully to transport oxygen-rich blood around the aorta. Aortic Coarctation is generally present at birth (congenital). Although it can be affecting […]

Congenitally Corrected Transposition of the Great Arteries (cctga)

This Rapid Review distills the important facts about coarctation of the aorta, so you can brush up your knowledge and be a confident medical professional. Learn more.

Coarctation of the aorta..

The Coarctation of the Aorta (CoA) is a relatively common congenital heart defect, comprising approximately 7% of all cardiac lesions. 🫀 It involves an obstruction along the aorta, typically near or at the ductus arteriosus, though it can occur anywhere along the aorta and vary in severity. This constriction results in increased pressure proximal to the defect and decreased pressure distal to it. During clinical assessment, you may notice strong brachial pulses but weak (or absent) femoral…