aortic coarctation

Aortic coarctation is a condition where a segment of the aorta, the large blood vessel that carries blood from the heart to the body, is narrowed. This narrowing can reduce blood flow to various parts of the body, leading to high blood pressure in the upper body and low blood pressure in the lower body. Symptoms may include headaches, muscle weakness, or cold legs. It is often present at birth (congenital) and can be diagnosed through imaging tests. Treatment usually involves surgery or balloon angioplasty to widen the narrowed area and improve blood flow.