Hypoplastic Left Heart
Alternate Names : HLHS, Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome
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Hypoplastic Left Heart Diagnosis & Tests
Physical examination usually reveals a blue, critically ill patient who may show signs of congestive heart failure, including hepatomegaly (liver enlargement), tachypnea (rapid breathing), and lethargy (inactivity with decreased mental status). Additionally, the pulse at various locations (wrist, groin, and others) is usually very weak.
Tests:
- An ECG shows right ventricular hypertrophy (enlargement of the right ventricle of the heart).
- An X-ray of the chest shows heart enlargement.
- An echocardiogram for the definitive diagnosis shows the tiny left ventricle
- A cardiac catheterization may be necessary in some cases to complement the echocardiogram.
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