Question 1

what is hypoplastic left heart syndrome?

Accepted Answer

A congenital defect: Hypoplastic left heart syndrome (hlhs) is a specific type of congenital heart defect that consists of varying degrees of underdevelopment of the left-sided heart structures including the mitral valve, left ventricle, aortic valve, and aortic arch.  Hlhs most likely has a genetic cause and occurs early during fetal development, however the genes involved have not yet been entirely elucidated.

Question 2

what cuases hypoplastic left heart syndrome?

Accepted Answer

Multifactorial.: 2-6% recurrence risk with 1-2 prior affected siblings and up to 25% risk with rare familial autosomal recessive forms - both point to genetic underpinnings. The pathological changes center around severe aortic and mitral valve stenoses and hypoplasia/interruption of the aortic arch.

Question 3

how is hypoplastic left heart syndrome cured?

Accepted Answer

It cannot be cured: Hypoplastic left heart syndrome (hlhs) is a congenital defect that occurs early during fetal development and it cannot be cured; babies are born with it.  It is possible to treat hlhs with surgical and/or catheter-based therapies, but the anatomic defects cannot be reversed.  There are newer fetal interventions under investigation that may improve the outcomes, but they also are not curative.

Question 4

what are the tests for hypoplastic left heart?

Accepted Answer

Echo: An echocardiogram (fetal or pediatric)  will tell the story.

Question 5

in what way is hypoplastic left heart syndrome treated?

Accepted Answer

Surgery: Typically, a three surgery strategy is pursued.  The first stage (norwood) is in the first few days of life. Stage 2 (glenn) is at 4-6 months, and stage 3 (fontan) is at age 2-4 years. The goals of this strategy are to provide reliable blood flow to the lungs and the body and to normalize the workload on the heart.  Best results are in specialized congenital heart centers.

Question 6

what are the surgeries to fix hypoplastic left heart syndrome?

Accepted Answer

Norwood/Glenn/Fontan: A three-step surgical repair approach has improved outcomes for affected babies, however the intra- and inter-procedure mortality remains significant and the long-term prognosis guarded. See: http://texaschildrens.Org/locate/doctors/ayres, -nancy/.

Question 7

what is the treatment for hypoplastic left heart?

Accepted Answer

Pediatric cardiologi: This is too complex for quick answer. See pediatric cardiologist or contact  a pediatric cardiology clinic. Hrs  www, thepmc.Org.

Question 8

can you explain hypoplastic left heart syndrome?

Accepted Answer

Complex heart defect: 2-6% recurrence risk with 1-2 prior affected siblings and up to 25% risk with rare familial autosomal recessive forms - both point to genetic underpinnings for hlhs. The pathological changes center around severe aortic and mitral valve stenoses and hypoplasia/interruption of the aortic arch.

Question 9

how is hypoplastic left heart syndrome diagnosed?

Accepted Answer

Ultrasound + cath: The DX is possible from a cardiac ultrasound & a cardiac cauterization.

Question 10

could you have a child with hypoplastic left heart syndrome?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Although a rare defect overall, hlhs is a relatively common congenital heart defect.  While hlhs is a very serious, life-threatening heart problem, outcomes continue to improve, particularly in experienced congenital heart centers.

Get Virtual Care

For Businesses

About Us

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Doctor answers about:

Hypoplastic left heart drugs

A member asked:

What is hypoplastic left heart syndrome?

A member asked:

What cuases hypoplastic left heart syndrome?

A member asked:

How is hypoplastic left heart syndrome cured?

A member asked:

What are the tests for hypoplastic left heart?

A member asked:

In what way is hypoplastic left heart syndrome treated?

A member asked:

What are the surgeries to fix hypoplastic left heart syndrome?

A member asked:

What is the treatment for hypoplastic left heart?

A member asked:

Can you explain hypoplastic left heart syndrome?

A member asked:

How is hypoplastic left heart syndrome diagnosed?

A member asked:

Could you have a child with hypoplastic left heart syndrome?

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Telemedicine

Primary Care

Manage Your Conditions

Women's Health

Children's Health

Men's Health

Senior Health

Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle

Sexual Health

Mental & Behavioral Health

Travel Medicine

Urgent Care

Didn't find what you're looking for?

More of what we treat

Allergies

Antibiotics

Asthma

High Blood Pressure

Prescriptions

Type 2 Diabetes

For Businesses

Company

Health Content

Join Us

Download HealthTap

Questions?