Coarctation of the aorta is a localized narrowing of the aortic lumen that leads to hypertension of the upper extremity vessels, left ventricular hypertrophy, and hypoperfusion of the abdominal and lower extremity organs. Symptoms of coarctation of the aorta vary depending on the degree of narrowing and its extent - from headache, chest pain, cold extremities, weakness, and lameness to fulminant heart failure and shock.