children s health issues
Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome
Symptoms of Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome
Symptoms of hypoplastic left heart syndrome appear when the ductus arteriosus begins to close during the first 24 to 48 hours of life. Subsequently, signs of heart failure and shock, including rapid breathing, shortness of breath, weak pulse, pale or bluish skin, cool body temperature, lethargy, and a decreased number of wet diapers, rapidly develop. When blood flow to the body is reduced, the heart, brain and other vital organs do not receive sufficient blood flow. Unless blood flow is re-established, the infant will die. 