Hypoplastic left heart syndrome

Overview

Hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) is an abnormality in which the left side of your child's heart (left ventricle, aortic valve and aorta) is severely underdeveloped. HLHS is a heart condition present at birth (congenital heart disease).

When the left side of the heart is underdeveloped, the right side of the heart must pump blood to both the lungs and the rest of the body. In your womb, your baby's body receives oxygen-rich blood through a connection called the patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). The PDA closes one or two days after birth. In children who have HLHS, after the PDA closes, the right side of the heart can't pump blood out to the rest of the body.

An undeveloped heart can't pump efficiently enough to support life, causing a child who has HLHS to get very sick. Without treatment, your child usually dies within the first days of life.

Read more about hypoplastic left heart syndrome and congenital heart diseases in children.

Why choose Mayo Clinic

Mayo Clinic doctors with training in heart diseases (cardiologists) treat children who have hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) and other congenital heart diseases. Mayo Clinic brings a team approach to diagnosing and treating children who have HLHS.

Doctors with training in congenital heart disease (congenital cardiologists), heart surgeons and other specialists work closely to give you and your child coordinated care. Specialists dedicated to the needs of people who have congenital heart disease staff Mayo Clinic in Minnesota's Center for Congenital Heart Disease.

Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., is ranked among the Best Hospitals for heart and heart surgery by U.S. News & World Report. Mayo Clinic also ranks among the Best Children's Hospitals for heart and heart surgery.