sofidexFor patientsAre you a clinician? Clinical site
Ask Sofi
Listen
Patient SupportEmergencies & Reporting
Log inSign up

Warning-sign checks

Coarctation of the aorta: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    These concerns may need earlier assessment but are not always emergencies.

    Call emergency services for sudden severe chest or upper-back pain, fainting, severe breathing difficulty, stroke-like symptoms, or collapse.

    A sick newborn with poor feeding, unusual sleepiness, breathing difficulty, or pale or gray skin also needs emergency evaluation.

    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Contact the treating clinician promptly for a clear drop in exercise ability, repeated headaches with high blood pressure, new leg pain during activity, or new shortness of breath.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Coarctation requires lifelong follow-up, including after childhood repair.

    Care is ideally coordinated by a cardiologist trained in congenital heart disease.

    Adults should not rely only on general adult cardiology when specialized congenital care is available.

    Follow-up may include:

    • Blood pressure measurements in the arms and a leg
    • Home or 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring
    • Echocardiograms to assess the heart and aortic valve
    • Periodic MRI or CT imaging of the full aorta and repair site
    • Review of exercise, medicines, dental health, and pregnancy plans

    Routine appointments are used to look for high blood pressure, repeat narrowing, an aneurysm, valve disease, or changes in heart function before symptoms develop.

    The timing of visits and imaging depends on the person's anatomy, age, treatment history, and test results.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Coarctation of the aorta. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.