What is atherosclerosis and coarctation of aorta

Atherosclerosis is a disease where plaque builds up inside your arteries. Plaque is made up of fat, cholesterol, calcium, and other substances found in the blood. Over time, plaque hardens and narrows your arteries, limiting the flow of oxygen-rich blood to your organs and other parts of your body. This can lead to serious problems like heart attack, stroke, or peripheral artery disease.

The coarctation of the aorta is a congenital heart defect where the aorta, the main artery that carries blood from your heart to the rest of your body, is narrowed. This narrowing, or coarctation, forces the heart to work harder to pump blood through the narrowed section. It can lead to high blood pressure in the arms and legs, and can cause other heart problems if left untreated.