What is Coarctation Aortic Arch?
A constriction or obstruction of a smaller portion of the aorta arch causes coarctation of the aortic arch, a medical disease. This cardiac condition is congenital. Aortic coarctation typically can affect any area of the aorta. However, the ductus arteriosus, which is a region close to a blood artery, is typically altered. Aortic coarctation is brought on by acute damage, significant artery hardening, and inflammatory arteries. Additionally, coarctation of the aortic arch can be identified by cardiac catheterization, echocardiography, EKG, chest X-ray, MRI, CT scan, and CT angiography.
Symptoms of Coarctation Aortic Arch
Depending on how much of the aorta is narrowed, coarctation of the aorta symptoms vary. Most individuals lack symptoms. It may take till maturity to identify mild coarctation. Infants with significant aortic coarctation may have symptoms soon after birth. Infantile coarctation of the aorta symptoms include:
- Having trouble breathing
- Having trouble eating
- Irritability
- Pale skin
- Heavy sweating
Following infancy, coarctation of the aorta symptoms frequently include:
- Chest pain
- Headaches
- Nosebleeds
- Leg pain or chilly feet
- Muscle twitch
- Elevated blood pressure
Blood pressure may be high in the arms and low in the legs and ankles depending on where the coarctation is. Aortic coarctation frequently coexists with other cardiac abnormalities. Depending on the congenital cardiac abnormality, there may be other symptoms.
Causes of Coarctation Aortic Arch
It is unknown what causes coarctation of the aorta. The issue is often a cardiac ailment that exists from birth (congenital heart defect). Rarely does aortic coarctation occur later in life? The following circumstances or occurrences can restrict the aorta and result in this condition:
- traumatic harm
- severe artery hardening (atherosclerosis)
- arteries inflamed (Takayasu arteritis)
Aortic coarctation can occur anywhere along the aorta, however, it most frequently occurs close to the ductus arteriosus. The aorta and left pulmonary artery are linked by that blood channel. The left lower heart chamber (left ventricle) works harder to pump blood via the constricted aorta when there is coarctation. The left ventricle’s blood pressure therefore increases. The left ventricle’s wall can thicken (hypertrophy).
Difference Between Coarctation and Hypoplastic Aortic Arch
There are two congenital cardiac defects: coarctation and hypoplastic aortic arch. In the human body, the aorta is the biggest artery. From the heart to the rest of the body, it carries blood that is rich in oxygen. The aortic arch narrowing is the cause of coarctation and hypoplastic aortic arch. Between the descending and ascending aortas lies the aortic arch. Blood has to be pumped through the aorta more forcefully in each of these situations.