Aortic coarctation is a congenital heart defect in which the aorta narrows, causing increased pressure and reduced blood flow. The spelling of "aortic coarctation" is pronounced as /eɪˈɔːrtɪk koʊ.ɑːrktəˈʃeɪʃ(ə)n/, where "aortic" is pronounced as /eɪˈɔːrtɪk/ and "coarctation" is pronounced as /koʊ.ɑːrktəˈʃeɪʃ(ə)n/. The phonetic transcription helps to understand the correct pronunciation and use of this medical term, which is essential for accurate communication between healthcare professionals and patients. Hence, mastering the spelling of aortic coarctation is crucial for medical students and practitioners alike.
Aortic coarctation refers to a congenital heart defect characterized by a narrowing or constriction of the aorta, the largest artery in the body that carries oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the rest of the body. This constriction typically occurs just beyond the branching of the blood vessels to the head and arms, near the site where the ductus arteriosus closes after birth.
This condition obstructs the blood flow, causing increased pressure in the areas before the constriction and reduced blood supply to the lower part of the body. Aortic coarctation can vary in severity from mild to severe, and it may exhibit symptoms at different ages depending on the degree of narrowing and the associated complications.
Common symptoms of aortic coarctation may include high blood pressure in the arms (with lower blood pressure in the legs), headache, dizziness, fainting, chest pain, shortness of breath, and fatigue. If left untreated, aortic coarctation can lead to long-term complications such as heart failure, aneurysm (enlargement of the aorta), and increased risk of developing other cardiovascular diseases.
Treatment for aortic coarctation usually involves surgical repair or balloon angioplasty, aimed at widening the narrowed portion of the aorta to restore normal blood flow. Regular follow-up care is essential to monitor and manage the condition to ensure optimal cardiovascular health.
The word "aortic coarctation" has its etymology in two different terms: "aortic" and "coarctation".
The term "aortic" refers to the aorta, which is the main artery that carries oxygenated blood from the heart to the rest of the body. The word "aorta" is derived from the Latin word "aorta", meaning "conduit" or "large artery".
The word "coarctation" is derived from the Latin word "coarctare", which means "to confine" or "to compress". In medical terminology, "coarctation" refers to a narrowing or constriction of a blood vessel. Therefore, "aortic coarctation" specifically indicates a narrowing or constriction of the aorta, which can hinder proper blood flow.