What is a defective aorta?
What is a defective aorta?
Coarctation of the aorta is a birth defect in which a part of the aorta is narrower than usual. If the narrowing is severe enough and if it is not diagnosed, the baby may have serious problems and may need surgery or other procedures soon after birth.
What is the most common heart defect?
The most common type of heart defect is a ventricular septal defect (VSD).
What causes problems with the aorta?
Aortic valve disease may be caused by a heart defect present at birth (congenital heart defect). Other causes of aortic valve disease later in life include: Age-related changes to the heart. Infections.
Is aortic stenosis life-threatening?
Aortic stenosis is the abnormal narrowing of the aortic valve, which restricts the flow of blood from the ventricle into the aorta. Aortic stenosis can be a serious and potentially life-threatening condition. Treatment options include procedures or surgery to repair or replace the faulty valve.
What is coarctation of the aorta and what causes it?
Coarctation of the aorta often occurs along with other congenital heart defects. Certain heart conditions are often associated with coarctation, including: Bicuspid aortic valve. The aortic valve separates the lower left chamber (left ventricle) of the heart from the aorta.
What are abnormal abnormalities of the aortic valve?
Abnormalities of the aortic valve (usually bicuspid; see Aortic Stenosis and Insufficiency section) may also be present. At times, the narrowing of the aorta is so severe that there’s essentially no connection between the upper and lower portions of the aorta (“Interrupted aortic arch”).
How does the narrowing of the aorta affect the heart?
The narrowing, or coarctation, blocks normal blood flow to the body. This can back up flow into the left ventricle of the heart, making the muscles in this ventricle work harder to get blood out of the heart. Since the narrowing of the aorta is usually located after arteries branch to the upper body,…
What are the symptoms of aortic stenosis and insufficiency?
Aortic stenosis (obstruction) and insufficiency (leak) usually cause symptoms only when these defects are severe. Symptoms include shortness of breath, exercise intolerance, dizziness, chest pain or occasionally abnormal heart rhythms. Patients may also develop an enlarged aorta over time, which may eventually require surgery.
