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Coarctation of the Aorta
Coarctation of the Aorta A severe narrowing of the aorta, causing a decrease in blood flow to the lower part of the body. This narrowing is a congenital defect and can be corrected with surgery.
RELATED TERMS--------------------------------------
Aorta
The largest artery in the body and the primary blood vessel leading from the heart to the body.
Blood
The life-maintaining fluid which is made up of plasma, red blood cells (erythrocytes), white blood cells (leukocytes), and platelets; blood circulates through the body's heart, arteries, veins, and capillaries; it carries away waste matter and carbon dioxide, and brings nourishment, electrolytes, hormones, vitamins, antibodies, heat, and oxygen to the tissues.
Congenital
Present at birth.
Surgery
Treating diseases or other medical conditions by operating on a patient to remove or repair parts of the body.
SIMILAR TERMS--------------------------------------
Coarctation
A narrowing, a stricture, a constriction. Although the best known coarctation is of the aorta, any artery can have a coarctation. The word "coarctation" comes from the Latin "coartare" meaning :to press together." The sides of the vessel at the point of a coarctation appear pressed together.
Coartem
A medicine used in the treatment of malaria, based in artemether and lumefantrine.
PREVIOUS AND NEXT TERMS--------------------------------------
Chronic Venous Insufficiency
Damaged valves in the veins or a blood clot in the leg may cause ongoing swelling, blood pooling in the legs, and if untreated, discomfort and ulceration.
Clotting Factors
A group of chemicals in the blood, including fibrinogen, prothrombin, and calcium, that combine to form thrombi.
Clubbing
The ends of the fingers and toes enlarge and bend inward; related to inadequate oxygen-rich blood supply. Often seen with congenital heart defects, but also seen in other conditions.
CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation)
A procedure using cardiac and respiratory equipment and medications possibly to restore the heartbeat and/or breathing.
Coagulation Problems
Problem with blood clotting, either too much clotting or not enough.
Coarctation of the Aorta
Collateral Blood Vessels
Small capillary-like branches of the artery that form over time in response to narrowed coronary arteries. The collaterals "bypass" the area of narrowing and help to restore blood flow. However, during times of increased exertion, the collaterals may not be able to supply enough oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle.
Commissurotomy
The heart valves are made up of leaflets. The leaflets touch each other and the edge of the area where they come in contact is known as the commissures. In some patients, specifically those with rheumatic heart disease, the commissures can become scarred and fail to open and allow blood to flow through easily. In situations like this, the commissures can be released or reopened with a procedure known as commissurotomy.
Complete Heart Block (heart block)
An arrhythmia. The electrical current is slowed between the atria and ventricles. In more severe cases, conduction is blocked completely and the atria and ventricles beat independently.
Complex Carbohydrates
Starchy foods that are good sources of energy and nutrients, such as bread, rice, pasta and grains.
Congestive Heart Failure (CHF or heart failure)
A condition where the heart muscle weakens and can not pump blood efficiently throughout the body.
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