Lifestyle and home remedies

Although coarctation of the aorta may be repaired, regular doctor's checkups are needed for the rest of your or your child's life to monitor for complications.

Your doctor will also check your blood pressure and treat it as needed.

Here are a few tips for managing your condition:

• Get regular exercise. Regular exercise helps lower blood pressure. Talk to your doctor about whether you need to restrict certain physical activities, such as weightlifting, which can temporarily raise your blood pressure.

  Your doctor may evaluate you and conduct exercise tests prior to deciding if you should participate in competitive sports or lift weights.

• Consider pregnancy carefully. Women with coarctation of the aorta, even after repair, may have a higher risk of aortic rupture, aortic dissection or other complications during pregnancy and delivery. If you are thinking of having a baby, talk to your doctor to determine how to safely do so. If you have had aortic coarctation repair and are considering becoming pregnant, careful management of your blood pressure is important to help keep you and your baby healthy.
• Prevent endocarditis. Endocarditis is an inflammation of the inner lining of the heart or of its structures, caused by a bacterial infection. You generally don't need to take antibiotics before certain dental procedures to prevent endocarditis. However, if you've had endocarditis in the past or had valve replacement surgery, then your doctor may recommend antibiotics.