Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome

Diagnosis

At Mayo Clinic in Minnesota doctors trained in treating children with heart conditions (pediatric cardiologists) diagnose your child's congenital heart diseases, including hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS).

Tests may include:

• Cardiac catheterization. In this test, the doctor inserts a long, thin tube (catheter) into an artery in your child's groin or arm and guides the catheter to your child's heart using X-ray imaging. On occasion, the doctor may perform catheterization to see how your child's heart functions.
• Chest X-ray. An X-ray shows the size and shape of your child's heart and lungs and reveals heart enlargement.
• Echocardiogram. In an echocardiogram (ultrasound) sound waves create detailed images of your child's heart. Your doctor usually uses an echocardiogram to diagnose HLHS. Your doctor also may diagnose your baby's HLHS through an echocardiogram performed before your baby is born (fetal echocardiogram).
• Electrocardiogram (ECG). In this test, sensor patches with wires attached (electrodes) measure the electrical impulses given off by your child's heart. This test shows enlargement of your child's lower-right heart chamber (right ventricular hypertrophy).

Read more about chest X-ray, echocardiogram and electrocardiogram at MayoClinic.com.