Acyanotic obstructive lesions. Coarctation of the aorta and congenital aortic stenosis.

The primary physiologic effect of coarctation of the aorta and aortic stenosis is impedence of blood flow out of the left ventricle, producing left ventricular strain. If unchecked, this progresses on a continuum leading to left-sided failure. Patients are asymptomatic in their younger years. With time, both defects progressively worsen, and may require surgical intervention in the teenage or adult years. While early and late postoperative results are quite good, these patients with obstructive lesions need continued medical and nursing follow-up throughout their adult years.