Hypoplastic left heart syndrome

Hypoplastic left heart syndrome is a condition where the left lower pumping chamber (left ventricle) of the heart does not develop properly so is much smaller than usual. The mitral valve between the left ventricle and the upper left filling chamber (left atrium) is often closed or very small.

In addition, the main blood vessel that carries blood from the heart to the rest of the body (aorta) is also smaller than usual.  This means that the heart is unable to pump blood around the body effectively.

Hypoplastic left heart syndrome is a form of congenital heart disease – a term used to describe a problem with the heart’s structure and function due to abnormal development before birth.

Our Cardiorespiratory Unit regularly refer to information published by the British Heart Foundation (BHF)  and the Children's Heart Federation when explaining hypoplastic left heart syndrome to our patients and their families.

Visit the BHF website to download their hypoplastic left heart syndrome factsheet

Read about hypoplastic left heart syndrome on the Children's Heart Federation website