Coarctation comes from the Latin coartare, meaning "to press together." In coarctation of the aorta, the aorta is pinched in or narrowed, either in a single location or along a portion of its length. This narrowing restricts normal blood flow through the aorta.

How does a coarctation occur?

What causes coarctation of the aorta? Coarctation of the aorta may be due to improper development of the aorta in the first eight weeks of fetal growth. Congenital heart defects, like coarctation of the aorta, usually occur by chance, with no clear reason for their development.

What is the cause of coarctation of the aorta?

The exact cause of coarctation of the aorta is unknown. It results from abnormalities in development of the aorta prior to birth. Aortic coarctation is more common in people with certain genetic disorders, such as Turner syndrome.