Hypoplastic left heart syndrome and exercise

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There are two major treatments for infants with hypoplastic left heart syndrome: The staged Norwood operation and heart transplantation. An important issue for these patients is the extent to which their exercise capacity and performance may be limited as they get older. The concern is that more children may be surviving but only with limited capacity to be physically active. Also of importance is whether one surgical approach may be better than another with respect to longer term results. In this issue of The Journal, Jenkins et al report on a study focusing on these concerns. They found that children with hypoplastic left heart syndrome show an age related decline in exercise performance, regardless of which operation is performed. In an editorial, Washington emphasizes that quality of life for these patients is quite important. This quality relates not only to exercise performance, but also to cognitive function. Future research must focus on methods to improve the lives of these patients beyond their lifesaving surgery.

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