BIRTH DEFECTS

Coarctation of the aorta
The aorta is the main vessel that carries blood away from the heart and to the rest of the body. In this defect the aorta is constricted causing a decrease of blood flow to the lower body. This also increases blood pressure in the upper body and puts a strain on the heart.
The aorta can be repaired through surgical or sometimes nonsurgical treatment during infancy. Sometimes the coarctation may return later in life.

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