What does HLHS stand for?

What does HLHS stand for?

• A. Hyperplastic Left Heart Syndrome
• B. Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome
• C. Hypoplastic Left Heart System
• D. Hypoplastic Left Atrial Syndrome

Answer: (B)

HLHS stands for Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome, a congenital defect in which the left-sided heart structures are underdeveloped and cannot sustain normal systemic circulation. The left ventricle, mitral valve, aortic valve, and often the ascending aorta are too small, so the heart relies on alternative pathways (like a patent ductus arteriosus and an interatrial shunt) to mix and distribute blood. This condition presents soon after birth with cyanosis and poor perfusion unless a ductus arteriosus remains open and surgical palliation provides a pathway for systemic blood flow. The other terms describe unrelated or incorrect concepts—hyperplastic would mean an enlarged left heart, “Left Heart System” isn’t a recognized condition, and “Left Atrial Syndrome” isn’t a standard congenital diagnosis.

HLHS stands for Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome, a congenital defect in which the left-sided heart structures are underdeveloped and cannot sustain normal systemic circulation. The left ventricle, mitral valve, aortic valve, and often the ascending aorta are too small, so the heart relies on alternative pathways (like a patent ductus arteriosus and an interatrial shunt) to mix and distribute blood. This condition presents soon after birth with cyanosis and poor perfusion unless a ductus arteriosus remains open and surgical palliation provides a pathway for systemic blood flow. The other terms describe unrelated or incorrect concepts—hyperplastic would mean an enlarged left heart, “Left Heart System” isn’t a recognized condition, and “Left Atrial Syndrome” isn’t a standard congenital diagnosis.