(kō‵ark-tā'shŏn )

[L. coar(c)tatio, a crowding together]

1. Compression of the walls of a vessel.
2. Shriveling.
3. A stricture.

c. of the aorta A localized congenital malformation resulting in narrowing of the aorta, often resulting in hypertension in adolescents and young adults. On physical assessment, it produces a delayed pulse in the femoral arteries relative to the pulse perceived at the radial arteries. Chest x-rays may show rib notching. Surgical correction of the obstruction may cure high blood pressure.