Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS)--also known as Left Heart Hypoplasia--is a potentially fatal congenital condition usually occurring in otherwise healthy babies.

Hypoplasia means underformed with lack of normal function.  HLHS is characterized by an underdeveloped left side of the heart and accompanying vessels.  Valves are often weak, obstructing the flow of oxygen-rich blood to the body.  The defect on the left side of the heart puts additional strain on the right side.

Parker's condition was not detected by prenatal ultrasound because of his position during the scan.  Recent research suggests that there are advantages for babies who are diagnosed prentatally.  For details, use this weblink:

    Parker was diagnosed with HLHS after experiencing cardiac distress at 3 days old. 

    In Parker's case, the atrium was described as the size of a thimble, the left ventricle the size of a cherry pit.  The aorta, approximately 1/6 normal size, was described as the size of a piece of spaghetti.