Coarctation of the aorta

Cardiology (12%) Core Clinical Conditions

2B: The Physician Associate is able to undertake the day to day management of the patient and condition once the diagnosis and strategic management decisions have been made by another.

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Definition Aetiology Pathophysiology Risk factor Sign and Symptoms Investigations Management

Definition

A congenital heart condition in which the aorta is constricted. The aorta is the main organ transporting oxygenated blood from the heart to the body.

Aetiology

Combination of genetic and environmental factors.

Pathophysiology

Flow of blood to the body is reduced because the aorta has become constricted. In addition, there is increased pressure in the upper part of the body and reduced pressure in the lower part of the body.

Risk factors

Family history of congenital heart defects.
Maternal hypertension during pregnancy.
Some genetic disorders.

Sign and symptoms

Pale skin.
Difficulty breathing/ feeding.
Perfused sweating.
O/E: radio-femoral delay +/- weak femoral pulse.
Systolic murmur on L infraclavicular area and below Left scapula.

Investigations

Physical examination.
Chest X-ray: may show signs of heart failure or shadowing at the coarctation site.
Cardiac MRI.
Electrocardiogram (ECG).
Echocardiogram.