Coarctation of the Aorta

Coarctation of the aorta is a narrowing of the aorta, the large blood vessel that branches off the heart. This blood vessel delivers oxygen-rich blood to the body, and its narrowing forces the heart to pump harder to force the blood through the vessel.

​Coarctation of the aorta is generally present at birth (congenital) and may range from mild to severe. It is often not detected until adulthood depending on its severity.

See the Children's Hospital Colorado website for more information on coarctation of the aorta.

Photo courtesy of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Our surgeons who treat this condition

This information is provided by the Department of Surgery at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. It is not intended to replace the medical advice of your doctor or healthcare provider. Please consult your healthcare provider for advice about a specific medical condition.