A rare congenital heart condition in which the left side of the heart is underdeveloped
Hypoplastic left heart syndrome leaves the heart unable to pump sufficient blood through the aorta to the rest of the body. If undiagnosed, this condition usually is fatal within the first few weeks of life. Infants are treated surgically and will require lifelong monitoring by a cardiologist.
Our adult congenital heart center will work closely with you to determine the risks and options available for lifestyle changes, such as exercise or pregnancy.
Tests
Your doctor will likely use imaging techniques such as an echocardiogram to evaluate your heart function.
Cardiac Catheterization
Cardiac catheterization is a minimally invasive way to diagnose and treat a variety of heart and vascular conditions by guiding thin, flexible tubes called catheters through blood vessels to problem areas.Chest X-ray
Chest X-rays use a small dose of radiation to create pictures of the structures inside the chest, including the lungs, heart, and chest wall.Computerized Tomography (CT) Scan
The cardiac computed tomography scan, or cardiac CT, uses X-rays to create three-dimensional images of your heart and blood vessels.
Echocardiogram
An echocardiogram uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of your heart.
Electrocardiogram (ECG)
An electrocardiogram, also known as an ECG, measures the heart’s electrical activity.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
Magnetic resonance imaging, better known as cardiac MRI, is a combination of radio waves, magnets, and computer technology to create images of your heart and blood vessels.
Stress Tests
Stress tests are used to assess how your heart works during physical activity. There are several types of stress tests, including treadmill or bike stress tests, nuclear stress tests, stress echocardiograms, and chemically induced stress tests.
Transesophageal Echocardiogram (TEE)
Transesophageal echocardiogram allows us to take very detailed images of your heart structure from a probe in your esophagus.
Treatments
Our heart and vascular teams work together and with other specialties to develop and implement individualized plans to improve heart function and minimize complications. Your doctor may recommend preventive antibiotics before medical or dental procedures to decrease your risk for infections. Other treatment options could include lifestyle modifications, medication, or more advanced treatments.
Congenital Heart Disease
Treatments for congenital heart conditions range from atrial septal defect and patent foramen ovale closures to cardiac ablations and heart valve replacements to heart transplants.
Cardiac implant closure device
Cardiac implant closure devices are used to repair defects that allow blood to flow through a hole connecting the chambers of the heart.
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Congenital Cardiac Disease
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Additional information
Adult congenital heart center
When you’re born with a heart problem, you may need complex care throughout your life. Our experts tailor this specialized care to your unique needs.
Ask MedStar Heart & Vascular Institute
Have general questions for our heart and vascular program? Email us at AskMHVI@medstar.net. If you have clinically-specific questions, please contact your physician’s office.