Epidemiology

Coarctation of the aorta is a common congenital heart defect, constituting about 5% to 8% of all congenital heart defects.[3]​ In the US, it occurs more frequently in males than in females. Most cases are sporadic, although recent evidence shows a familial link with nonsyndromic left ventricular outflow tract obstructive lesions.[4][5]

Aortic coarctation is often seen in association with other cardiovascular malformations, such as bicuspid aortic valve and ventricular septal defect. It has been increasingly thought of as part of a more global arteriopathy rather than a strictly isolated lesion. There are also syndromic associations including Shone complex, Turner syndrome, DiGeorge syndrome, and hypoplastic left heart syndrome.[4]

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