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Coarctation of the Aorta
What is it?
Coarctation (pronounced kO–ärk–'tA–shun) of the aorta is when the aorta has a very narrow area or segment like in an hourglass.
Blood pressure increases above the narrow spot and the left ventricle has to pump harder because the pressure is high. The heart may enlarge from this extra work.
How is it treated?
This can be treated with surgery or catheterization to open the narrow spot. The treatment plan depends on how bad the coarctation is and if there are other birth defects.