What does it mean for an adult to have coarctation of the aorta?

Needs close followup: Coarctation of the aorta is a congenital abnormality, where portion of the aorta (large artery carrying blood out from the heart to rest of the body) is narrowed. It may be narrowed only slightly, so that no obstruction is noted in childhood, but adults may still develop: high blood pressure, early-onset coronary disease, or aorticaneurysm or dissection. Close surveillance is important.

Blood Pressure Issue: A coarctation in an adult means the arms and head have been getting higher blood pressure than the abdomen, kidneys, and legs. Unfortunately, it may mean that there have been changes in both the arteries in the head and in the kidneys. This may result in elevated blood pressures for life, and may require mess to keep the BP normal.

Serious But.: Coarctation is a serious condition. It is also relatively common with well-established corrective procedures that are safe and largely successful. Coarctation can be treated with surgery or catheterization; adult diagnosed are more likely to be treatable in the cath lab vs. Children. Some patients (~10-20%) develop recurrence and require another catheterization.