What is coarctation of the aorta in children's hearts?

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One of the congenital heart diseases that may not be discovered until adulthood is coarctation of the aorta. In this article, I will introduce this disease that does not heal by itself and requires urgent treatment if diagnosed.

- What is aortic coarctation? Coarctation of the aorta (COA), also known as coarctation. Narrowing of the aorta, which is the main artery that carries blood from the heart to the body. This narrowing causes the left side of the heart to work harder to pump blood through the aorta. What are the types of heart disease in children? Sometimes the stenosis is brief and may not even cause symptoms. In more severe forms, surgery or other measures are required to treat it.

What factors cause COA coarctation of the aorta? Coarctation of the aorta is a congenital defect, meaning a baby is born with it. Doctors aren't sure why some people develop coarctation, but boys are about twice as likely to develop it as girls. In a baby with quark, the aortic arch may also be smaller than normal (hypoplastic). In many people, this defect is associated with birth defects or other conditions such as a septal defect (a hole in the wall between the left and right ventricles of the heart). Also, in girls born with Turner syndrome, it is a genetic disorder in which one of the two X chromosomes of the girl is incomplete or missing. Coarctation of the aorta is relatively common.

Aortic coarctation is usually found early in life. But some people are not diagnosed until adolescence or even adulthood. In those cases, it's usually because the narrowing in the aorta isn't severe enough to cause serious symptoms by then. But even people who do not have major symptoms need treatment. Because coarctation of the aorta can eventually cause problems. This defect does not go away by itself.

What are the signs and symptoms of aortic coarctation? Abnormal blood pressure is often the first symptom of coarctation of the aorta. During the examination, the doctor may Find out that in a child with coarctation of the aorta, the blood pressure in the arms is higher than in the legs. The doctor may also hear a heart murmur or notice that the pulse in the groin is weak or barely felt. In every person who is diagnosed with high blood pressure. It should be checked for coarctation of the aorta. Know the symptoms of heart disease in children.

Children with symptoms may: Their thighs and legs are colder than their hands and arms - Upper limb blood pressure more than lower limb Shortness of breath, especially during exercise - Premature leg fatigue and limping when running and exercising - Chest pain

Know the symptoms of heart disease in children

How is coarctation of the aorta diagnosed? Doctors may. Refer a child with signs or symptoms of coarctation of the aorta to a pediatric cardiologist (a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating heart problems). A cardiologist listens to heart sounds. He palpates the pulses and checks the blood pressure. The cardiologist who performs an echocardiogram (a test that uses sound waves to create an image of the heart and its circulation) may order other tests that produce images of the heart, such as a chest X-ray, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) test, or computed tomography (CT) scan. Coarctation of the aorta should be treated quickly. Because it can cause high blood pressure and heart enlargement. It can also cause a rupture of the aorta which can. very dangerous and deadly. Coarctation of the aorta is usually found shortly after birth and is immediately repaired with surgery.

How is coarctation of the aorta treated? Coarctation of the aorta can be repaired with surgery or other methods. One of the most common methods to remove the stenosis is to remove the narrow part and reconnect the two ends of the aorta. In some cases, doctors may also treat coarctation of the aorta with balloon angioplasty. In this procedure, a small balloon is inserted through a blood vessel in the groin and a very thin wire is sent up to the aorta, in the narrow area. When the balloon is inflated, the narrow area widens. Then the balloon is removed. Also, the cardiologist may place a stent (special spring) in the stenosis to keep the stenosis open after the operation.

After treatment: ### Improvement of symptoms After fixing the defect, most symptoms of coarctation of the aorta disappear immediately. Because the blockage caused by these symptoms is gone. Some people still have high blood pressure for a while and it is possible. They have to take medicine to control it. Children and adolescents who have undergone surgery usually feel completely better after a week or two. Those who have received balloon treatment feel better even sooner, often within two days. ### Limitation of activity But doctors recommend that all patients avoid doing some physical activities. Especially avoid lifting heavy objects or sports that can put pressure on the chest so that the body has enough time to fully recover. Someone with high blood pressure may have to. Continue your special abstinence until the blood pressure does not go down. ### Follow-ups after treatment Children who have had coarctation of the aorta repaired should see their doctor regularly. Sometimes, stenosis can return after surgery or balloon dilation therapy. Cardiologist visits every year or two after recovery allow the doctor to monitor blood pressure and look for signs of return coarctation of the aorta. If your child has coarctation of the aorta or has repaired the coarctation. Call your doctor if you experience shortness of breath, chest pain, or fainting. In general, children with coarctation of the aorta can expect to lead a normal life after treatment.

Read the following articles to read more https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/coa.html https://www.healthline.com/health/aneurysm-in-the-brain https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/congenital-heart-defects/about-congenital-heart-defects/coarctation-of-the-aorta-coa