Coarctation of the aorta is a congenital heart defect, which means it is present at birth. It occurs when part of the aorta is narrowed, leaving less room for blood to pass. This narrowing causes the heart to weaken as it works harder to supply the body with blood. It can lead to heart failure in severe cases. At UK Gill Heart & Vascular Institute, our dedicated specialists are here to help adults across Kentucky monitor and manage coarctation of the aorta and keep their hearts healthy.
This form of congenital heart disease usually occurs in the part of the blood vessel just after the arteries branch off, near the patent ductus arteriosus. The narrowing of the aorta can cause blood to back up into the left ventricle of the heart. These heart muscles must then work harder to send blood to the body. This backup can lead to:
- Pulsing of blood
- High blood pressure in the head and arms
- A weak pulse and low blood pressure in the lower body
Most people who are born with coarctation of the aorta are diagnosed as babies and have surgical repair right away. But sometimes, the condition goes undiagnosed until adulthood.
In many cases, adults with coarctation of the aorta do not experience any symptoms and are unaware they have a heart problem. But some people do have signs, including:
- Fatigue when using your legs, such as walking or running
- Frequent headaches
- High blood pressure in the arms
- Kidney problems
- Multiple miscarriages
However, it’s also important to note that these symptoms often have other causes.
For adults with coarctation of the aorta, high blood pressure is the most common problem that develops. This high blood pressure can also occur in adults who had surgical repair as a baby. People who were treated for coarctation of the aorta at a young age are also at risk of developing the condition again (recoarctation). Symptoms don’t often occur when the condition develops again.
Adults with coarctation can also develop aortic aneurysms and aneurysms in the brain called Berry aneurysms, which can rupture and be life-threatening. They may also be at higher risk for coronary artery disease and heart attacks. People with coarctation may also have abnormalities of the aortic valve, usually the bicuspid aortic valve. The narrowing of the aorta can also be so severe that it causes an interrupted aortic arch, or a complete disconnect between the upper and lower portions of the aorta.
Experts don’t know for sure what causes congenital heart conditions like coarctation of the aorta. It may be caused by a combination of genes, including having certain genetic disorders such as Turner syndrome, and other maternal environmental and behavioral risk factors during pregnancy.
Children with congenital heart disease become adults with congenital heart disease (CHD). Ninety percent of children born with CHD have a normal life expectancy due to improved surgical interventions and better medical management. At all ages, close monitoring and expert care for CHD patients are essential. Despite this, studies indicate that 2 out of 3 young adults with CHD don’t transition from pediatric to adult CHD care. Not getting continued cardiac care can lead to a variety of health problems and poor outcomes.
To guide teens and their families through the transition, UK Gill Heart & Vascular Institute team members talk about the transition early and often. Starting at age 15, teens with CHD begin transition education. One Wednesday every month, a special transition clinic staffed by adult congenital heart disease providers, is held to meet with teens and their families to discuss important topics, including:
- Abilities and limitations experienced as an adult with CHD
- Lifelong need for proper CHD monitoring and treatment
- What adult CHD care may involve over the years
Additionally, once you transition to adult care with the Adult Congenital Heart Program at UK Gill Heart & Vascular Institute, we work hard to enable you to keep your appointments and testing on track. We also work hard to empower you with knowledge and assist you in being your best advocate to live your best life. If you miss an appointment, we will call to reschedule.
During your first visit to the UK Gill Heart & Vascular Institute’s Adult Congenital Heart Program, you’ll meet our clinic nurse, social worker and other members of your care team. You’ll also undergo imaging exams, which may include an echocardiogram or a cardiac MRI.
Once imaging is complete, you will meet with an adult congenital cardiologist and other team members for up to one hour. You’ll discuss the results of your echocardiogram and your health history and symptoms. You will also get in-depth education about your diagnosis, how it may affect you moving forward and possible treatment options. The meeting is also a great opportunity to ask any questions about living with CHD.
When coming to your appointment:
- Bring a list of any medications or supplements you take and surgeries you’ve undergone.
- Dress comfortably.
- Have your insurance information on hand. UK HealthCare accepts most insurers, and financial assistance is available.
- You may want a family member or friend with you to take notes or help ask questions.
Where we are located
The UK Gill Heart & Vascular Institute is located at 800 Rose St. in Pavilion G, on the first floor of UK Albert B. Chandler Hospital. We will mail you a map and directions when your appointment is scheduled.
Patient drop-off
Patients can be dropped off in front of the main entrance to Albert B. Chandler Hospital at 1000 S. Limestone. If you are dropped off at the main entrance, you’ll enter the revolving doors on the ground floor of the hospital. Take the main stairs just to the left (or elevator across the atrium) to the first floor of Pavilion A.
After climbing the stairs or taking the elevator, turn left. You’ll pass the Kentucky Wall and Kentucky Children’s Hospital on your right. Continue to the end of the hall until it comes to a T shape. Turn left and the Gill clinic entrance is across from an open area housing the organ donor wall.
Parking
It is easiest to park in the UK HealthCare Parking Garage, across from the hospital at 110 Transcript Ave.
There are two paths from this garage to the Gill clinic:
- You may take the free shuttle from Level A of the parking garage. You’ll exit the shuttle at the Pavilion A/ Pavilion G stop in front of the main entrance to the hospital. After climbing the stairs or taking the elevator, turn left. You’ll pass the Kentucky Wall and Kentucky Children’s Hospital on your right. Continue to the end of the hall until it comes to a T shape. Turn left and the Gill clinic entrance is across from an open area housing the organ donor wall.
- From Level C of the parking garage you may walk or take a golf cart across the pedway to the first floor of Pavilion A. Turn left past the help desk and walk away from the dining hall. You’ll pass the Kentucky Wall and Kentucky Children’s Hospital on your right. Continue to the end of the hall until it comes to a T shape. Turn left and the Gill clinic entrance is across from an open area housing the organ donor wall.
If you need help finding your way, information desks are located inside the main entrances to Pavilion A, both on the ground floor and at the end of the pedway on the first floor. You may also call the information desk at 859-323-5816.
Clinical trials provide access to novel treatments for those in the adult CHD program at UK Gill Heart & Vascular Institute. Through our Cardiology Clinical Research Center, patients benefit from advances in valve replacement and other therapies before they become standard treatment. Your care team will notify you if you qualify for an ongoing clinical trial.
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