What happens in hypoplastic left heart syndrome The left side of the heart pumps blood into a large vessel called the aorta, which sends the oxygen-rich blood to the rest of the body. In the lungs, oxygen enriches the blood, which then moves to the heart's left side. In doing its basic job - pumping blood through the body - the heart uses its left and right sides for different tasks. The heart has four chambers, two on the right and two on the left. However, having one child with hypoplastic left heart syndrome, increases the risk of having another with a similar condition. Hypoplastic left heart syndrome occurs in the womb when a baby's heart is developing.

The heart valves, which keep blood flowing in the right direction, are gates at the chamber openings. The lower chambers, the more muscular right and left ventricles, pump blood out of the heart.

The upper chambers, the right and left atria, receive incoming blood. If you think that your baby is in shock, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.Ī typical heart has two upper and two lower chambers. However, seek medical help if you notice that your baby has any of the symptoms of the condition. Most babies with hypoplastic left heart syndrome are diagnosed either before birth or soon after. Breathing that may be slow and shallow or very rapidĪ baby in shock might be conscious or unconscious.Cool, clammy skin that can be pale or lips that can be bluish-gray.If the natural connections between the heart's left and right sides (foramen ovale and ductus arteriosus) are allowed to close in the first few days of life in babies with hypoplastic left heart syndrome, they can go into shock and possibly die. Grayish-blue color of the lips and gums (cyanosis).Babies born with hypoplastic left heart syndrome usually are seriously ill soon after birth.

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