Aortic coarctation is a common aortic vascular disease that is aggressive and threatens human health and even life, causing a great burden to individuals, families, and even society. So, what exactly is aortic coarctation? Arterial coarctation is formed when there is a break in the intima of the artery and blood flow enters under the intima causing separation of the intima from the epi-media. The aorta is the main artery of the body and is responsible for providing blood and nutrients to all vital organs. The aorta has three layers: the intima, the media, and the epima, in order from the inside out. Under normal circumstances, these three layers are closely adhered together to form a “wall”, which together withstand the impact pressure of the blood flow inside the vessel. However, if there is a fracture or ulcer in the intima, the fracture will be further torn and enlarged by the impact of blood flow, resulting in the separation of the three membranes and the formation of a false lumen next to the true lumen of the vessel, in which some of the blood will flow or accumulate into a hematoma, and an interstitial layer will be formed. Aortic coarctation is an untimely bomb that can be detonated at any time. When an aortic coarctation is formed, the arterial wall becomes thin and brittle, and a cough may cause the artery to rupture. Once the aorta ruptures, blood will pour directly into the thoracic cavity, abdominal cavity and even the pericardium, causing insufficient blood supply to the brain, heart and other vital organs, resulting in shock or even death! Therefore, aortic coarctation is considered to be an untimely bomb that can be detonated at any time. During an acute attack of aortic coarctation, the vast majority of patients will experience heart-rending pain, which is more intense, has a tearing sensation, lasts longer, and can be felt in the forehead, back, and even abdomen. There is still a difference between the pain caused by aortic coarctation and the pain caused by angina. Angina is mainly a pressure pain that is not felt very intensely. However, sometimes aortic coarctation can affect the coronary arteries and cause angina, in which case it is necessary to distinguish with the help of enhanced CT and other examinations. Aortic coarctation has hypertension and atherosclerosis as the most common causes. Common causes of aortic coarctation include hypertension, atherosclerosis, Marfan’s syndrome, and inflammation of the arteries. In our country, hypertension is a very common disease and is increasing year by year. A large proportion of these patients have poorly controlled blood pressure even after taking medications, which leaves a hidden danger for the occurrence of aortic coarctation. In addition, with the increasing life expectancy in China, the number of patients with aortic coarctation is also increasing. Because older people are prone to atherosclerosis, vascular calcified plaque and other vascular lesions, and these causes may lead to aortic coarctation. Doctor’s tip Aortic coarctation is a relatively dangerous disease. When a vascular entrapment is formed, only the outer membrane is left alone at the entrapment to withstand the pressure of blood flow, and this condition may lead to rupture of the vessel at any time if not treated promptly. Therefore, when encountering patients with sudden onset of chest and back pain, the possibility of acute aortic entrapment needs to be considered and must be seen in a regular hospital without delay.