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Overview
What are tricuspid valve disorders?
Heart valve disorders are identified by which valve (or valves) are affected and how much the blood flow is disrupted because of the problem. Tricuspid valve issues are uncommon. The tricuspid valve controls blood flow that returns from the body, through the heart’s right atrium (upper right chamber) and into the right ventricle (lower right chamber). The right ventricle then pumps blood to the lungs so it can receive oxygen. The two main tricuspid valve problems are regurgitation and stenosis.
Tricuspid regurgitation
Tricuspid regurgitation, also known as tricuspid insufficiency or incompetence, happens when blood flows backward through the valve from the right ventricle to the right atrium instead of going out to the lungs. This happens when there is damage to the tricuspid valve, or when the right ventricle is enlarged which causes the valves to malfunction. Instead of moving forward to the lungs for oxygenation, blood leaks back into the major veins of the body. This condition disrupts the normal flow of blood through the heart and can lead to various complications if left untreated.
Tricuspid stenosis
Tricuspid valve stenosis is a rare heart condition caused by the narrowing of the tricuspid valve. The narrowing blocks the flow of blood from the right atrium to the right ventricle, leading to increased pressure in the right atrium and reduced blood flow to the lungs. Tricuspid stenosis is usually associated with rheumatic fever. Often, people with tricuspid stenosis also have mitral stenosis. The condition can also be caused by congenital heart defects or other factors that affect the heart valve’s structure
What are tricuspid valve disorder symptoms?
In most cases, there are no symptoms of tricuspid regurgitation. However, if a patient has pulmonary hypertension (high blood pressure in the lungs) and tricuspid regurgitation, symptoms may include:
- Swelling of the stomach area, feet and ankles
- Fatigue
- Weakness
- Decreased urine output
The symptoms are rarely severe enough to require valve surgery.
What causes tricuspid valve disorders?
Heart failure can start suddenly after a medical condition or injury damages your heart muscle. But in most cases, heart failure develops slowly from long-term medical conditions.
Conditions that can cause heart failure include:
- Arrhythmia (a problem with the rate or rhythm of your heartbeat)
- Cardiomyopathy
- Coronary artery disease
- Heart attack
- Heart valve diseases
- High blood pressure
- Certain severe lung diseases, such as severe COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) or a history of large or multiple blood clots in your lung
- Obesity
- Endocarditis
- Congenital heart defects or other types of heart diseases that you are born with
Are you at risk of a tricuspid valve disorder?
Risk factors for tricuspid valve disorders include:
- Age: Older age increases the risk of developing tricuspid valve disorders.
- Gender: Female sex has been identified as a risk factor.
Other heart conditions that are risk factors:
- Heart failure
- Pulmonary hypertension
- Right atrial enlargement
- Atrial fibrillation
- Pacemaker electrodes: Pacemaker leads can predispose individuals to tricuspid regurgitation.
- Congenital heart defects: Structural heart damage from birth can also lead to tricuspid valve disorders.
How doctors diagnose tricuspid valve disorders
To diagnose tricuspid valve disease, a healthcare provider will:
- Discuss your symptoms
- Discuss your health history and medications
- Do an overall physical examination
- Examine the veins in your neck
- Use a stethoscope to hear your heartbeat
Tricuspid valve disorder treatment and medication
Your doctor will create a treatment plan based on your test results and symptoms. This may involve regular check-ups and tests to track your condition (for example, every six or twelve months).
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Medication
To manage symptoms or prevent complications, your doctor might prescribe certain medications:
- Drugs to control irregular heartbeats
- ACE inhibitors to lower blood pressure
- Blood thinners to prevent clots
- Diuretics to reduce excess body fluid
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Procedures or surgery
In advanced or severe cases, surgery to fix or replace the tricuspid valve might be necessary. Newer technologies are becoming available to replace the tricuspid valve using catheters so that open heart surgery can be avoided.
How to prevent a tricuspid valve disorder
In most cases, you cannot prevent tricuspid valve disease. However, if you have any of the risk factors or conditions that may cause a tricuspid valve disorder, it is best to contact your healthcare provider.
What it's like living with a tricuspid valve disorder
It’s important to know that if you have tricuspid valve disease you are at risk for endocarditis (heart valve infection). You should have regular checkups and take certain steps to protect yourself:
- If you develop any infection symptoms, such as body aches, fever or sore throat, call your doctor.
- In case of a medical emergency carry a card or wear an ID bracelet that identifies you as a person with valve disease.
- Tell all your healthcare providers, including your dentist, that you have valve disease.
- Take care of your teeth. Infections in your mouth can travel into the bloodstream to the heart valves. Brush often and see a dentist regularly to prevent infections in the teeth and gums.
Tricuspid valve disorder treatment near you
Cardiology services at Ballad Health
Our extensive network of highly trained cardiologists, surgeons and advanced practice providers are here to support you and help you navigate a heart-related diagnosis.
Learn more about heart and vascular services at Ballad Health.
CVA Heart Institute Learning Center
We understand that receiving a tricuspid valve disorder diagnosis can be overwhelming. Our goal is to alleviate your fears and help you to understand your condition.
We have an informational video library, education tools and heart-related FAQs so that you have the resources you need.
Heart care patient stories
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Read our patient stories
Our patients inspire us every day, and we’re honored when they trust us with their care. They tell their stories best, so we’ve gathered a few here to share with you.
Many of these patients received life-saving care for heart conditions when they weren’t experiencing any symptoms. These experiences have changed they way they look at their individual care and helped them see the importance of regular preventive screenings.