Coarctation of the Aorta: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Achuta Uppu, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Coarctation of the Aorta?
A cardiologist, a heart doctor, usually treats coarctation of the aorta. A heart surgeon may repair it. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is coarctation of the aorta?
The aorta is a large artery that carries blood from the heart to the vessels that supply the rest of the body with blood. If part of the aorta is narrowed, it is hard for blood to pass through the artery. This is called coarctation of the aorta. It is a type of birth defect.
The narrowing, or coarctation, blocks normal blood flow to the body. If the aorta is not widened, the heart may weaken enough that it leads to heart failure.
Symptoms
About half of newborns with this problem will have symptoms in the first few days of life. These can include breathing fast and problems eating. Babies may also be more irritable and sleepier, or less responsive. In severe cases, the infant may develop heart failure and shock.
In milder cases, symptoms may not develop until the child has reached adolescence. Symptoms can include:
- Chest pain.
- Cold feet or legs.
- Dizziness or fainting.
- Nosebleed.
- Shortness of breath.
There may also be no symptoms. Older children and adults with coarctation of the aorta often have high blood pressure in the arms.
Causes and who gets it
The exact cause of coarctation of the aorta is unknown. It is more common in people with certain genetic disorders, such as Turner syndrome. A combination of genes and other risk factors may increase the risk. These factors can include things in a mother's environment, what she eats or drinks, or the medicines she uses.
Coarctation of the aorta often occurs with other congenital heart defects. It is most often diagnosed in children or adults under age 40. People who have this problem with their aorta may also have a weak area in the wall of arteries in their brain. This weakness causes the blood vessel to bulge or balloon out. These bulges may break and cause a stroke due to bleeding.
How doctors diagnose it
The health care provider will perform a physical exam and check the blood pressure and pulse in the arms and legs. The blood pressure in the legs is usually less than in the arms. Coarctation of the aorta is often discovered during a newborn's first exam or a well-baby exam.
Echocardiography is the most common test to diagnose this condition. An echocardiogram is an ultrasound of the heart. Other tests may include a chest x-ray, an electrocardiogram (EKG), an MRI, and cardiac catheterization.
Treatment
No matter what age the coarctation is diagnosed, the narrow aorta will need to be widened. This can be done with a procedure called balloon angioplasty or through surgery. Most newborns with symptoms will have surgery either right after birth or soon afterward. They will first receive medicines to stabilize them.
During surgery, the narrow portion of the aorta is removed. The aorta is reconstructed or patched to allow blood to flow normally. Sometimes a mesh-covered tube, called a stent, is inserted to keep the vessel open. Balloon angioplasty may be done instead of surgery, but it has a higher rate of failure.
Symptoms quickly get better after surgery. Older children usually need medicines to treat high blood pressure after surgery. Some will need lifelong treatment for this problem. The narrowing can return after surgery. This is more likely in people who had surgery as a newborn.
Surgery may cause problems such as stroke, bleeding in the brain, heart failure, and kidney problems. Another complication is a tear in the wall of the aorta, called aortic dissection. A rare complication of surgery to repair coarctation is paralysis of the lower half of the body.
When to see a doctor
Contact your provider if you or your child has symptoms of coarctation of the aorta. Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you or your child has trouble breathing, chest pain lasting two minutes or more, or fainting. For a baby, also call for fast breathing, trouble feeding, or unusual sleepiness. Lifelong follow-up with a cardiologist is recommended.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Lifelong follow-up with a cardiologist is recommended, so that progress can be monitored and other health conditions that might develop as people get older can be checked.
Common questions
Is coarctation of the aorta a birth defect?
Yes, coarctation of the aorta is a type of birth defect. It occurs when a baby's aorta does not form correctly as the baby develops during pregnancy.
How is coarctation of the aorta treated?
Doctors treat it by widening the narrow part of the aorta. This can be done with a procedure called balloon angioplasty or through surgery. Sometimes a stent is inserted to keep the vessel open.
Can coarctation of the aorta come back after surgery?
Yes, the narrowing can return after surgery. This is more likely in people who had surgery as a newborn. Lifelong follow-up with a cardiologist is recommended.
Can adults have coarctation of the aorta?
Yes, older children and adults can have coarctation of the aorta. It is most often diagnosed in children or adults under age 40.
Sources
- MedlinePlus - Coarctation of the aorta
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - Coarctation of the Aorta
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
