Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 2, 2026

Novel and Innovative Hybrid Technique for Type A Aortic Dissection
06:26

Novel and Innovative Hybrid Technique for Type A Aortic Dissection

Published on: March 28, 2025

Therapy refractory hypertension in adults: aortic coarctation has to be ruled out

M E W Hemels1, E S Hoendermis, J P van Melle

  • 1Department of Cardiology, Thoraxcenter, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, PO Box 30.001, 9700 RB Groningen, the Netherlands.

Netherlands Heart Journal : Monthly Journal of the Netherlands Society of Cardiology and the Netherlands Heart Foundation
|April 9, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Aortic coarctation, a narrowing of the aorta, can be detected later in life, especially with unexplained hypertension. Early detection and treatment, such as surgical or percutaneous repair, significantly improve patient outcomes and reduce hypertension risks.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Vascular Surgery

Background:

  • Aortic coarctation is a congenital heart defect often associated with significant morbidity and mortality.
  • Isolated aortic coarctation can remain asymptomatic until adulthood, leading to delayed diagnosis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To highlight clinical consequences of late-detected aortic coarctation.
  • To illustrate diagnostic clues for earlier detection.
  • To review current therapeutic options for optimal treatment.

Main Methods:

  • Case report of two patients with late-detected aortic coarctation.
  • Emphasis on key diagnostic sign: blood pressure difference between upper and lower extremities.
  • Recommendation for echocardiography as a follow-up diagnostic tool.

Main Results:

  • Late-detected severe aortic coarctation is treatable with surgical or percutaneous repair.
  • Intervention improves quality of life.
  • Treatment lowers the risk of hypertension-associated complications.

Conclusions:

  • Aortic coarctation should be suspected in patients with unexplained hypertension, particularly with a cardiac murmur.
  • Routine examination of blood pressure differential is crucial for early detection.
  • Timely repair of aortic coarctation offers substantial benefits even in late-diagnosed cases.

More Related Videos

Direct Re-implantation of Left Coronary Artery into the Aorta in Adults with Anomalous Origin of Left Coronary Artery from the Pulmonary Artery (ALCAPA)13:10

Direct Re-implantation of Left Coronary Artery into the Aorta in Adults with Anomalous Origin of Left Coronary Artery from the Pulmonary Artery (ALCAPA)

Published on: April 24, 2017

Related Concept Videos

Aortic Regurgitation III: Medical Management01:25

Aortic Regurgitation III: Medical Management

Aortic regurgitation (AR) is when the aortic valve does not close or seal properly, leading to backward blood circulation from the aorta into the left ventricle during diastole. Common causes of AR include rheumatic heart disease, congenital valve defects, and aortic root dilation. Managing AR requires a multifaceted approach to alleviate symptoms, preserve left ventricular function, and address the underlying cause of the regurgitation. Patients with symptomatic AR or significant left...
Aortic Regurgitation I: Introduction01:15

Aortic Regurgitation I: Introduction

IntroductionAortic regurgitation is characterized by the backward flow of blood from the aorta into the left ventricle during diastole and arises from the improper closure of the aortic valve. This condition results in left ventricular volume overload and can stem from both acute and chronic etiologies, each contributing uniquely to the disease's progression and symptomatology.Acute and Chronic CausesAcute aortic regurgitation often results from events that suddenly impair the integrity of the...
Aortic Regurgitation II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests01:22

Aortic Regurgitation II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests

Aortic valve regurgitation (AR) occurs when the aortic valve fails to close properly, allowing blood to flow backward from the aorta into the left ventricle. This backflow can result in two distinct clinical presentations: acute and chronic AR, each characterized by its own set of symptoms and physical findings.Acute Aortic RegurgitationAcute AR presents with a sudden onset of severe symptoms. Patients typically experience profound dyspnea (shortness of breath), chest pain, and signs of left...
Hypertension III: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies01:30

Hypertension III: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies

Hypertension is asymptomatic and also referred to as the "silent killer" until it progresses to a severe stage or causes target organ disease. Patients may experience symptoms stemming from the strain on blood vessels and tissues in various organs or the heart's increased workload.Physical exams might show no abnormalities other than high blood pressure. Signs of vascular damage, when present, correspond to the organs supplied by the affected vessels, leading to target organ damage. For...
Hypertension I: Introduction01:28

Hypertension I: Introduction

Hypertension is a widespread, long-term medical condition where blood pressure in the arteries remains elevated. It is characterized by systolic blood pressure readings of 130 mm Hg or above or diastolic blood pressure (DBP) readings of 80 mm Hg or higher. Unmanaged hypertension poses significant health risks, making the distinction between primary (or essential) hypertension and secondary hypertension crucial, as their management and implications vary.Primary HypertensionPrimary hypertension,...
Hypertension and Regulation of Blood Pressure01:18

Hypertension and Regulation of Blood Pressure

Hypertension, the most common cardiovascular disease, is diagnosed through repeated measurements of elevated blood pressure. Its risks, including damage to the kidney, heart, and brain, are directly proportional to blood pressure levels. Starting from 115/75 mm Hg, the risk of cardiovascular disease doubles with each increment of 20/10 mm Hg. The diagnosis relies on blood pressure measurements, not on patient symptoms, as hypertension is often asymptomatic until end-organ damage is imminent or...