Resistant arterial hypertension and coarctation of the aorta

Coarctation of the aorta accounts for around 5 percent of all congenital heart defects. Many of these patients develop arterial hypertension, and occasionally resistant arterial hypertension, despite adequate correction. This may lead to potentially fatal complications such as heart failure, aortic dissection, cerebrovascular events, or myocardial infarction. Therefore, a correct diagnosis must be made and an appropriate treatment started to reduce arterial hypertension, arteriosclerotic vascular disease, as well as the increased risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. (C) 2014 Sociedad Espanola de Arteriosclerosis. Published by Elsevier Espana, S.L.U. All rights reserved.