Living with Coarctation of aorta
A birth difference in which part of the aorta, the body's main artery, is narrowed.
Understanding Coarctation of aorta
GARD lists onset at a variety of ages. It can occur along with other heart differences, such as a bicuspid aortic valve or an underdeveloped left heart.
Signs & symptoms
Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD says they include:
- High blood pressure
- Muscle weakness
- Shortness of breath
- Headaches
- Leg cramps
Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Diagnosis
- 1Talk with your doctor
Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.
- 2See a specialist
Specialists who may be involved include heart and blood vessel specialists.
- 3Ask which tests can help
Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.
- 4Connect with expert centers
Adult Congenital Heart Association and Conquering CHD may keep lists of experts for this condition.
Care & treatment
- Care team
- Heart and blood vessel specialists (cardiologists)
- Expert care
- Expert lists: Adult Congenital Heart Association, Conquering CHD
- Treatment
- GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
- Research
- Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.
General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.
Everyday life
Living with a rare condition is easier with support.
- Connect with Adult Congenital Heart Association and other patient organizations
- Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
- Ask about patient registries that help research
- Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Quick facts
GARD lists this condition as autosomal dominant but doesn't name a gene or describe the cause further.
Also known as: aorta coarctation; aortic coarctation; coarctation; coarctation of the aorta; narrowing of aorta; narrowing of the aorta
Patient organizations
- Adult Congenital Heart AssociationCoarctation of aorta · United States
- Conquering CHDCoarctation of aorta · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
Perspectives from people navigating life with Coarctation of aorta.
Explore research for Coarctation of aorta
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- Recruiting studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
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- Eligibility is confirmed by the study team
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