What is Coarctation of the Aorta?

Coarctation of the Aorta (CoA) is the narrowing of the aorta, the larger blood vessel that branches off from the heart and brings oxygen-rich blood to the rest of the body. If coarctation of the aorta occurs, the heart has to work harder to pump blood through the narrow section of the aorta. Coarctation of the aorta may occur anywhere along the aorta, but the coarctation is usually located near a blood vessel called the ductus arteriosus.

Typically, coarctation of the aorta is present at birth. Coarctation of the aorta can vary from mild to very severe, and is oftentimes not detected until adulthood. There are usually other heart defects present along with coarctation of the aorta. Coarctation of the aorta requires careful attention and follow-up from infancy through adulthood.

Symptoms of Coarctation of the Aorta (CoA)

The signs and symptoms of coarctation of the aorta depend on the severity. Children with severe aortic narrowing will often exhibit signs and symptoms earlier in life, while mild cases may not be recognized until later in adulthood.

Babies with severe coarctation of the aorta usually begin having signs and symptoms shortly after birth. These include:

• Difficulty breathing
• Pale skin
• Irritability
• Heavy sweating

If untreated, aortic coarctation in babies may lead to heart failure and death.

Causes of Coarctation of the Aorta (CoA)

Coarctation of the aorta (CoA) typically occurs when the pulmonary valve does not grow correctly during fetal development. Other heart abnormalities are sometimes present at birth (congenital) in infants who have coarctation of the aorta. The use of SSRI antidepressants such as Zoloft, Paxil, Prozac, Celexa, or Lexapro during all or part of the pregnancy significantly increases the risk of a congenital heart such as coartation of the aorta (CoA).

Wellbutrin Birth Defects Lawsuit: Speak to an Attorney

Many new parents ask themselves what was the cause of my child’s birth defects? Did it happen during pregnancy? The antidepressant Wellbutrin may be linked to causing the development of birth defects in unborn babies, infants, and children when their mothers took antidepressants while pregnant.

Our law firm is handling individual birth defect lawsuits against drug and pharmaceutical companies and currently accepting new Wellbutrin cases across the nation. If your child was born with a birth injury that you believe may have been caused by taking an antidepressant like Wellbutrin during pregnancy, then you should contact our law firm as soon as possible for a free confidential review of your potential birth defect lawsuit case. All cases are handled on a Contingency Fee Basis (no attorney’s fees or expenses charged unless we recover for you.