Aortic disorders

Coarctation of the aorta is a congenital heart defect characterized by narrowing of a major heart vessel. It accounts for nearly one-tenth of congenital heart defects. How does this developmental cardiovascular disease arise?

Aortic disorders are not common but are all the more serious. They can take place very quickly and acutely with life-threatening but also chronically.

During aortic dissection, the vascular wall ruptures, with blood flowing between its inner layers. The extent may be small, but also extensive and affecting the entire aorta.