Pronunciation: [kɔːktˈe͡ɪʃən] (IPA) 
Coarctation is a medical term that refers to a narrowing of a blood vessel or artery. It is pronounced as /koʊɑrkteɪʃən/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The spelling of this word can be a bit tricky, as it contains several consecutive consonants (r, c, t) that are not normally found together in English. To pronounce it correctly, start with the "koh" sound, then make a "ark" sound with a silent r, and end with "tay-shun".
Coarctation refers to a medical condition characterized by the narrowing or constriction of a bodily structure, particularly a vessel or a hollow organ such as an artery or a tube. It usually occurs as a result of congenital malformation or as a complication of certain diseases.
In the context of cardiovascular health, coarctation commonly refers to the narrowing of the aorta, the largest artery in the body, that carries oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the rest of the body. This narrowing restricts blood flow and increases pressure within the artery, leading to various health problems. Coarctation of the aorta can result in symptoms such as high blood pressure, fatigue, dizziness, headaches, chest pain, and diminished pulses in the lower extremities.
Coarctation can also affect other hollow organs or vessels in the body, such as the pulmonary artery or the urethra. In these cases, the constricted area can cause difficulties in organ function or obstruct the flow of fluids.
Treatment options for coarctation depend on the severity and location of the narrowing. Mild cases may not require immediate intervention, while severe narrowing often necessitates surgery to remove or bypass the constriction. Interventions such as stent placement or balloon angioplasty may also be used to widen the narrowed area and restore proper blood flow. Regular medical follow-ups are essential to monitor the condition and ensure optimal management.
1. A narrowing. 2. A compression.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "coarctation" comes from the Latin term "coarctatio", which is derived from the verb "coarctare" meaning "to press, bind, or compress". It is a combination of the prefix "co-" meaning "together" and "arctare" meaning "to make narrow or tight". The term "coarctation" originally referred to the narrowing or constriction of a bodily vessel, particularly used in the context of medical conditions such as coarctation of the aorta, which is a congenital heart defect where the aorta is abnormally narrow.
