Isthmian coarctation
Overview
Isthmian coarctation (medical condition): A rare inherited birth defect where the heart blood vessel called the aorta has a narrowed area which affects blood flow. The degree of constriction is variable which mild cases asymptomatic until adulthood. The poor blood flow to the lower body gives results in it appearing less developed than that upper body.
Symptoms
Some of the symptoms of Isthmian coarctation incude: * Underdeveloped left heart * Narrowed aorta * High upper body blood pressure * Low lower body blood pressure * Abdominal swelling
Causes
* Abdominal swelling * Breathing difficulty * Headache * Rapid breathing * Rapid heartbeat * Shortness of breath * Swollen legs