What is the best treatment for coarctation of the aorta?

Surgical correction is considered the best treatment for coarctation of the aorta, particularly in cases that present with significant symptoms or when the coarctation is severe. Coarctation of the aorta is a congenital condition where there is a narrowing of the aorta, which can lead to decreased blood flow to the lower portions of the body and increased blood pressure in the upper body.

Surgical intervention effectively relieves the obstruction and restores normal blood flow. This may involve resection of the narrowed segment of the aorta, possibly followed by end-to-end anastomosis, or placement of a synthetic patch to widen the narrowed area. In certain cases, less invasive techniques such as balloon angioplasty and stenting have also become options, particularly for mild to moderate cases or in older children and adults.

Medication management alone does not address the underlying structural issue, making it insufficient as a long-term solution. Observation is typically reserved for mild cases where the condition may resolve on its own or in asymptomatic patients; however, it is not a definitive treatment. Physical therapy is not applicable in this context, as it does not provide any benefit for the structural abnormalities associated with coarctation of the aorta. Therefore, surgical