Congenital Heart Lesions

Coartation of the aorta

Download Coarctation of the Aorta.pdf

Signs and symptoms of deterioration

• Rapid breathing
• Shortness of breath
• Hypertension
• Persistent headaches
• Abdominal and leg cramps
• Decreased urinary output

If you frequently experience one of these signs and symptoms, call your cardiologist as soon as possible.

Exercise recommendations

If you have a repaired coarctation of the aorta, you should regularly exercise.
However, if you are known to have hypertension, you should avoid extreme exercises. Check with your cardiologist for your specific limitations.

Endocarditis recommendations

Antibiotics are needed before particular dental and surgical procedures.
You should always maintain good oral hygiene in order to prevent infection.

Pregnancy and contraception

Pregnancy carries morbitity and mortality risks. The risks are greater if you don’t have a repaired coarctation. With a repaired coarctation, the risks are lower.

In both cases, you should discuss with your cardiologist and have a strict cardiac follow-up if you plan to be pregnant.

Risks of transmission

Normal population	1%
1 child affected	2%
2 children affected	15%
3 children affected	50%
Mother with malformation	Up to 15%
Father with malformation	Up to 12%
Marfan’s Syndrome, bicuspid valves	Up to 50%

These numbers are approximate. A fetal echocardiogram is recommended between the 18th and the 20th week of pregnancy to detect possible cardiac malformations in the baby.

The risk of transmission varies according to the family antecedents. In case of doubts, a consultation with a geneticist is recommended in order to precisely calculate the risks and to make specific recommendations.

Prepared by: Marie-Joëlle Boucher et. Scinf., Nathalie Comtois Rn, BSc