Coarctation of the aorta

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Complications

By Mayo Clinic staff

Untreated coarctation of the aorta frequently leads to complications. Several of the complications are a result of long-standing high blood pressure caused by the aortic coarctation.

Complications of coarctation of the aorta include:

  • High blood pressure
  • Stroke
  • Rupture of the aorta
  • Premature coronary artery disease — narrowing of the blood vessels that supply the heart
  • Cerebral aneurysm — weakened or bulging artery in the brain

In addition, if the coarctation of the aorta is severe, the heart may not be able to pump adequate blood to the organs of the body, resulting in the failure of organs such as the kidneys or liver.

DS00616

March 1, 2008

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