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Hypoplastic left heart Health Article

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Table of Contents

Definition Alternative Names Causes, incidence, and risk factors Symptoms Signs and tests Treatment Expectations (prognosis) Complications Calling your health care provider Prevention

Reviewer Info: Anne J. L. Chun, M.D., Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Cardiology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.; ADAM Health Illustrated Encyclopedia, 05/30/2006

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Expectations (prognosis)

If left untreated, hypoplastic left heart syndrome is fatal. Survival rates for the staged repair continue to rise as surgical technique and postoperative management improve. Survival after the first stage is more than 75%.

It is important to note that the size and function of the right ventricle are important determinants of outcome after surgery.

Complications

Complications include:

Irregular, fast heart rhythms (arrhythmias)
Chronic diarrhea
Heart failure
Fluid in the abdomen (ascites)
Blockage of the artificial shunt
Strokes and other neurological complications
Sudden death

Calling your health care provider

If your infant has new changes in breathing patterns, eats less (decreased feeing), or has skin or mucous membranes that are turning blue (cyanotic), contact your health care provider immediately.

Prevention

There is no known prevention for hypoplastic left heart syndrome. As with many congenital diseases, the causes of hypoplastic left heart syndrome are uncertain and have not been linked to a mother's disease or behavior.

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Heart, front view

Heart, section thro...

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