What is coarctation of the aorta?
A person with coarctation of the aorta has a narrowing in the aorta as it travels through the chest. The aorta is the main artery that leaves the heart, delivering blood to the body. Usually, the narrowing is located in the portion of the aorta that is closest to the heart. Coarctation of the aorta is a birth defect that is usually detected in infants and young adults.

What are the symptoms of coarctation of the aorta?
Symptoms of coarctation of the aorta in infants include failure to thrive, breathing difficulty, fussiness in infants, and rapid breathing. Symptoms of coarctation of the aorta in children and adults include fatigue, headaches, leg pain, nosebleeds, and prominent neck veins.

How does the doctor treat coarctation of the aorta?
Treatment for coarctation of the aorta includes surgery to repair the aorta.