Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS) is a rare but serious heart defect that affects infants. It is a congenital condition, which means it is present at birth. Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome is a rare but serious heart defect that causes symptoms shortly after birth or may develop over time. A hypoplastic left heart syndrome treatment plan depends on the severity of the condition and may include surgery, heart transplant, and medications. It is important to seek medical attention if you suspect that your child has HLHS to prevent any complications that may arise from the condition.
The symptoms of Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS) may be evident shortly after birth or may develop over time. Some of the common symptoms include -
The primary cause of hypoplastic left heart syndrome arises due to the defect in the left side of the heart which doesn’t supply blood to the body efficiently. This is mostly due because the lower left chamber being either too small or not present.
The exact cause of HLHS is unknown, but it is thought to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors. It is believed that a combination of genetic mutations and environmental factors may interfere with the normal development of the left side of the heart, leading to underdevelopment or hypoplasia of the left ventricle.
The diagnosis of HLHS is typically made before or shortly after birth. During routine prenatal ultrasounds, doctors may detect abnormalities in the structure of the heart, which may indicate HLHS. After birth, a physical examination and a series of tests may be performed to confirm the condition, including -
The treatment for HLHS is complex and usually requires a team of specialists, including cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, and intensive care specialists. The treatment plan depends on the severity of the condition and may include -
BM Birla Heart Research Centre is among the best cardiac hospitals specializing in cardiac healthcare services. We have incorporated a team of cardiologists and cardiac surgeons who have years of experience in their field. They are highly talented and skilled with technology. Our doctors ensure diagnosing the condition first so that the best treatment is offered to the patients. They ensure identifying the needs of a patient so that they are fulfilled capably. So, if you experience symptoms of heart failure or have had one, consult our cardiologists now.
This surgical procedure is recommended for patients who have a higher risk or are too sick, or too old for open heart surgery. It was first tested in 2002 on patients with severe aortic stenosis (a narrowing of the aortic valve opening), who were considered unfit for open heart surgery.
Heart failure is a serious condition marked by the inefficiency of the heart muscles to pump blood to different parts of the body. Also referred to as congestive heart failure, the condition can prove to be life-threatening if not addressed immediately. Such patients are often recommended to undergo a heart transplant, a surgical procedure that involves the replacement of a diseased or non-functional part of the patient’s heart with a healthy heart taken from a deceased donor.
Over the past few decades, various innovations and advancements in the field of cardiology have helped us to learn more and more about the human heart, its functioning, and the diseases that affect it.