What are the treatments for the condition?

Severely affected infants with coarctation of the aorta may need surgery shortly after birth. Before surgery, these infants may need aggressive treatment in the intensive care unit. This may include powerful medicines and an artificial breathing machine called a ventilator.

For those with no symptoms at birth, surgery is often advised later in childhood or in early adulthood when symptoms or heart damage begin. The goal of surgery is to remove or bypass the narrowed part of the aorta.

What are the side effects of the treatments?

Surgery carries a risk of bleeding, infections, allergic reactions to anesthesia, and even death.

What happens after treatment for the condition?

After recovering from surgery, most people do well. Long-term follow-up care is needed to watch for or treat high blood pressure, which is fairly common after surgery. Narrowing in the aorta can recur, especially in children less than 5 years old. In the absence of high blood pressure, most people can resume a normal life after recovery.

How is the condition monitored?

Long-term monitoring of blood pressure is needed. Other monitoring may be needed if heart damage or other heart defects are present before surgery. Any new or worsening symptoms should be reported to the doctor.