Complications

Without surgery, hypoplastic left heart syndrome is deadly, usually within the first few days or weeks of life.

With treatment, many babies survive, although most will have complications later in life. Some of the complications might include:

• Tiring easily when participating in sports or other exercise
• Heart rhythm problems (arrhythmias)
• Fluid buildup in the lungs, abdomen, legs and feet (edema)
• Growth restriction
• Formation of blood clots that may lead to a pulmonary embolism or stroke
• Developmental problems related to the brain and nervous system
• Need for additional heart surgery or transplantation