Parent Information

Coarctation of the Aorta

The Aorta is the main pipe from the heart to supply the head, brain and body. It is therefore quite important! This pipe is normally a smooth pipe the same size from the start to the end. Coarctation of the Aorta is where a discrete narrowing of the pipe occurs. This can be at any position along the pipe but is normally just after the arteries that supply the head and the arms. The narrowing prevents adequate blood flow to the stomach, intestines and of course the legs. This is why the pulse in your babies nappy line may have been checked repeatedly. Coarctation almost always requires surgical repair to restore normal blood flow to those important abdominal organs and the legs.