Tricuspid Valve Disease
What is tricuspid valve disease?
The tricuspid valve controls the direction of blood flow entering the heart from the body. It is situated on the right side of the heart and it can become narrowed (stenosis) or start to leak (regurgitation).
It can be caused by high blood pressure in the lungs (pulmonary hypertension) or an enlarged right heart. There are also rare conditions from birth (congenital) which can cause problems with the tricuspid valve. The condition may remain symptom free until it becomes severe.
What are the symptoms of tricuspid valve disease?
Some of the symptoms for Tricuspid Valve disease may include; fatigue, a reducing tolerance to exercise, palpitations, increased shortness of breath on effort, swelling in the abdomen and legs.
What assessment do I need if I have tricuspid valve disease?
After a thorough clinical assessment your doctor is likely to arrange an ECG and an echocardiogram. In some cases a CT scan of the lungs and a heart MRI may be needed. Occasionally, invasive assessment may be required with a right heart catheterization.
What are the treatments for tricuspid valve disease?
Treatment depends on the severity of the problem and will include medication to control the underlying cause or tricuspid valve repair or replacement.