The aortic valve separates the lower left chamber (left ventricle) of the heart from the aorta. Heart conditions associated with coarctation include: Having certain genetic conditions, such as Turner syndrome, also raises the risk of coarctation of the aorta.Ĭoarctation of the aorta often occurs along with other congenital heart defects. Risk factorsĬoarctation of the aorta is more common in males than in females.

The wall of the left ventricle may become thick (hypertrophy). As a result, blood pressure rises in the left ventricle. With coarctation of the aorta, the left lower heart chamber (left ventricle) works harder to pump blood through the narrowed aorta. That blood vessel connects the left pulmonary artery to the aorta. Severe hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis)Ĭoarctation of the aorta can affect any part of the aorta, but it's most often located near a blood vessel called the ductus arteriosus.Conditions or events that can narrow the aorta and cause this condition include: Rarely, coarctation of the aorta develops later in life. The condition is generally a heart problem present at birth (congenital heart defect). The cause of coarctation of the aorta is unclear. If you or your child has sudden, unexplained chest pain, seek emergency medical care. Seek medical help if you or your child has the following symptoms:Ī complete health checkup helps determine the cause. Other symptoms depend on the type of congenital heart defect. Symptoms of coarctation of the aorta after infancy commonly include:ĭepending on where the coarctation is located, blood pressure may be high in the arms and low in the legs and ankles.Ĭoarctation of the aorta often occurs with other heart defects. Symptoms of coarctation of the aorta in infants include: Mild coarctation may not be diagnosed until adulthood.īabies with severe coarctation of the aorta may show symptoms shortly after birth. Coarctation of the aorta symptoms depend on how much of the aorta is narrowed.

Aortic arch