Section Menu

Coarctation of the Aorta (COA)

Also known as: COA

What is Coarctation of the Aorta (COA)?

Coarctation of the aorta is a heart condition that is present at birth involving the narrowing of the aorta. This defect may occur on its own or in association with more complex heart defects and patients with chromosomal abnormalities.

What are the signs/symptoms?

  • Rapid breathing
  • Sweating
  • Lethargy

What causes Coarctation of the aorta?

COA may be caused by an improper development of the aorta during fetal growth; however most of the time this heart defect occurs by chance, with no clear reason for their development.

How is Coarctation of the aorta diagnosed?

COA may be discovered during your child’s physical exam, while a pediatrician is obtaining the child’s vital signs. The first suspicion of a coarctation is when the doctor notes a lower blood pressure in the legs. Other test that assist with diagnosing include:

  • Chest X-ray
  • Echocardiography(ECHO):  An echo uses sound waves to create pictures of your heart’s chambers, valves, walls and the blood vessels (aorta, arteries, veins) attached to your heart.
  • Electrocardiogram (ECG): An electrocardiogram checks for problems with the electrical activity of the heart
  • Cardiac catheterization: A minimally invasive procedure that provides comprehensive information about the structures inside the heart.

Treatment for Coarctation of the Aorta

If your baby is diagnosed with COA, the treatment is surgical repair of the narrowed vessel. The cardiovascular surgeon will cut out the narrowed section and sew the two healthy ends of the aorta back together. This reconstructs the arch and institutes normal blood flow through the aorta.

This page was last updated on: 3/23/2026 5:15:28 PM

Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory

Recognized as a world leader in interventional cardiac catheterization. Our Cath Lab utilizes the latest innovations in imaging and catheter device technologies, our philosophy of high-tech meets high-touch is evident in every aspect of care.

Learn More

Related Press Releases

Dr. Sathanandam, chief of cardiovascular medicine and co-director of the Heart Institute wearing blue scrubs during an operation.

Nicklaus Children's Heart Institute First to Offer Innovative Heart Stent Designed for Babies

August 28, 2025 –

Nicklaus Children's Hospital's Heart Institute is ushering in a new era of cardiac treatment for children across South Florida. Nicklaus Children's is the first hospital in South Florida to offer the latest innovative Minima Stent from Renata Medical, the first FDA-approved heart stent that expands as the child grows. This innovation gives new hope to babies and young children with congenital heart disease, helping them avoid repeated open-heart surgeries.

Check Your Symptoms
Use the symptom checker tool to check how serious your symptoms are, if a healthcare visit is needed, and what steps you can take to relieve your symptoms at home.

Learn more about

Congenital Heart Defects/Disease Any unusual physical feature or health problem that is present at the birth of a baby is known as a birth defect or a congenital anomaly.
Heart Murmur When the heartbeat is interrupted by unusual sounds such as blowing, whooshing or rasping, it’s called a heart murmur.
Shone's Syndrome Shone’s syndrome, is a rare form of congenital heart disease where there is a combination of four left-sided heart defects.
Balloon Angioplasty and Stent Angioplasty for Coarctation of the Aorta When feasible, a balloon angioplasty with or without stent angioplasty is a medical procedure that can help restore the flow of blood to the lower extremities.
Coarctation Repair Coarctation of the aorta is a when a portion or segment of the aorta is narrowed and restricts the flow of blood to the body. Coarctation repair is a surgery performed to repair the aorta.
Ross-Konno Procedure Ross-Konno procedure is a surgery to repair a damaged aortic valve. The aortic valve is responsible for pumping blood from the heart out to the body. The left ventricular outflow tract is also enlarged as part of the Ross-Konno procedure.