What is mild coarctation of the aorta in newborns?
Coarctation of the aorta is a type of congenital heart disease. Congenital heart disease refers to heart problems a baby is born with.
The aorta is the large blood vessel that sends oxygen-rich blood (red blood) from the heart out to the body. Coarctation (say "ko-ark-TAY-shun") means that a section of this blood vessel is narrowed or pinched. The heart has to work extra hard to pump the blood through it.
Coarctation of the aorta makes it harder for the heart to pump blood to the body. Over time, this can lead to high blood pressure, heart failure, or other problems.
It can be scary to learn that there is something wrong with your baby's heart. The hospital staff understands this. They will explain what happens and will answer your questions.
What are the symptoms of severe coarctation of the aorta in newborns?
Newborns may have symptoms such as:
- Fast breathing.
- Sweating while feeding.
- Not eating well.
- Being fussy a lot of the time.
How is mild coarctation of the aorta in newborns diagnosed?
Your doctor may hear abnormal heart sounds, such as a heart murmur, when examining your newborn.
Your doctor will order tests to find the cause of abnormal sounds or of symptoms. The most common test used to find this problem is called an echocardiogram, or "echo" for short. It uses sound waves to make an image of your baby's heart.
Your baby may have other tests, such as an EKG (electrocardiogram) or a chest X-ray. Another test may look at the amount of oxygen in the blood.
How is severe coarctation of the aorta treated in newborns?
Your doctor will help you understand your baby's condition, your treatment choices, and what to expect from each choice.
Your baby may get medicine that helps keep oxygen-rich blood flowing to the body. The medicine may be given through a blood vessel in the belly button. This treatment is temporary. Surgery is needed to repair the aorta.
Surgery is done to remove the narrowed part of the aorta and allow blood to flow more normally.
How can you care for your newborn who has coarctation of the aorta?
Your doctor will make sure that you have all the information you need to take care of your baby. Your child's care team can show you how to help your baby. You can also ask the hospital staff about counseling and support.
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