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Tricuspid regurgitation Causes and Risks:
The most common cause of tricuspid regurgitation is not damage to the valve itself but enlargement of the right ventricle, which may be a complication of any disorder that causes right ventricular failure. Many diseases can affect the tricuspid valve. The most common of these is rheumatic fever . The valve fails to close properly, and blood can backflow to the right atrium from the right ventricle, and from there back into the veins. This reduces the flow of blood forward into the lungs. The incidence is 4 out of 100,000 people.
Prevention:
Discuss any history of heart valve disease or any family history of congenital heart diseases before treatment by a health care provider or dentist. Any dental work, including cleaning, and any invasive procedure can introduce bacteria into the bloodstream. This bacteria can infect a weakened valve causing endocarditis .
Obtain prompt treatment for conditions that may cause valve disease. Treat strep infections promptly to prevent rheumatic fever . Causes of right heart failure should be prevented.
Symptoms:
In the absence of high blood pressure in the lungs ( pulmonary hypertension ), tricuspid regurgitation is usually asymptomatic . If pulmonary hypertension and moderate-to-severe tricuspid regurgitation coexist, symptoms may include:
Signs and Tests:
Gently pressing with the hand ( palpation ) over the liver may show a pulsation. The liver and spleen may be enlarged. Listening to the heart with a stethoscope shows a murmur or abnormal sounds. Jaundice ( yellow skin color ) and ascites (collection of fluid in the abdomen associated with liver disorders) may be present.
Enlargement of the right side of the heart may show on an ECG or echocardiogram .
Pressures inside the heart and lung may need to be measured at cardiac catheterization .
Treatment:
Treatment may not be needed if there are few or no symptoms. Hospitalization may be required for diagnosis and treatment of severe symptoms. Underlying disorders should be identified and treated. Surgery to repair or replace the tricuspid valve ( heart valve surgery ) may be indicated.
Prognosis:
The disorder may correct itself with treatment of underlying disorders, especially treatment of pulmonary hypertension and right ventricular enlargement. Surgical valve repair or replacement is usually curative.
Complications:
Call Your Healthcare Provider:
Call your health care provider if symptoms of tricuspid regurgitation are present.
This is a cross-sectional view of the interior of the heart. The valves, chambers, and associated vessels are labeled.
This is an illustration of the exterior of the heart. The arteries are colored blue and represent blood that is flowing into the heart. The veins are red and indicate blood flow out from the heart. The chambers are also labeled.
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