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Aortic Coarctation - Coarctation of the Aorta
- Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
- Symptoms & Signs
- Diagnosis & Tests
- Prevention & Expectations
- Treatment & Monitoring
- Attribution
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Symptoms & Signs
What are the signs and symptoms of the condition?
Symptoms of coarctation of the aorta may be mild or severe. In severe cases, symptoms usually begin shortly after birth. The main symptoms are due to congestive heart failure, as the heart cannot pump blood through the narrowed passage. Congestive heart failure in children can cause:
If symptoms do not occur until later in life, they may include:
Most of these symptoms tend to get worse with exercise. They are mostly due to the fact that blood can flow more easily to the upper body, which is above the narrowed portion of the aorta. The lower body, which is below the narrowed section of aorta, does not get as good a blood supply, so it does not grow as well.