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Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS)

The heart is split into four parts. Two collecting chambers at the top called Atria (Atrium) and two pumping chambers at the bottom called Ventricles. The Left Atrium normally pumps to the Left Ventricle and the Right Atrium to the Right Ventricle. In Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome the Left side is very under-developed. This includes the mitral valve (which separates the atrium and ventricle), the pumping chamber itself (which is now small and cannot pump) and the main pipe (Aorta) which takes blood to the head and body is usually smaller than it should be. This is a very serious heart condition which will require multiple operations from very early in your babies life.