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Coarctation of the aorta
Coarctation of the aorta is a constricted segment of the aorta that obstructs blood
flow to the body. The left ventricle has to pump harder because the pressure is high.
Because of this, the heart may enlarge. Coarctations typically occur as isolated defects,
but may occur with a ventricular septal defect, subaortic stenosis, or complex congenital
heart defects. |