A health condition in which the valve between the right atrium and right ventricle leaks (regurgitation), becomes stiff or narrowed (stenosis), or is not formed properly at birth is called Tricuspid valve disease. Without treatment, it may lead to serious damage to the heart muscle. Physicians often recommend medicines or surgery to treat this disorder.
In general, the tricuspid valve is one of the 4 heart valves that help blood flow in the correct direction. Any problem with this valve may cause blood flow backward or reduced blood flow despite going in the right direction.
Types of Tricuspid Valve Disease
Healthcare providers have categorized this condition into 3 types. For example:
- Tricuspid atresia – Usually, this type is a birth defect that has a solid piece of tissue instead of the tricuspid valve. As a result, it limits blood flow and may negatively affect the development of the right ventricle. In most cases, tricuspid atresia is treated with surgery.
- Tricuspid regurgitation – This type occurs when the valve does not close completely. Therefore, the blood may leak backward through the tricuspid valve each time the right ventricle (the right lower chamber of the heart) contracts. Thus, it may lead to damage to the heart muscle, hypertension (high blood pressure), and other problems.
- Tricuspid stenosis – In people who develop this type of tricuspid valve disease, the opening of this valve becomes too narrow or stiff. It often leads to reduced blood flow between these chambers, and over time, the atrium can become enlarged. It also reduces blood flow to the lungs and the whole body.
Furthermore, this disorder may occur along with other heart valve problems, including mitral valve or aortic valve disease.
In addition, a mild tricuspid valve disease often does not cause serious symptoms or other problems. However, those who develop a more severe form of the disease may experience permanent damage to the heart muscle.
Symptoms
The symptoms of tricuspid valve disease often appear differently among people. It depends on the severity and type of the condition, overall health, and age. Check below some symptoms often noticed in people with this valve disease:
- Arrhythmia (irregular heart rhythm)
- Fatigue (extreme tiredness)
- Weakness
- Enlarged liver
- Palpitations
- Dyspnea (shortness of breath)
- Cold skin
- Edema (swelling) in the abdomen, legs, ankles, or feet
- A fluttering feeling in the chest or neck
If you experience any of the previous symptoms, immediately contact your healthcare professional.
Causes
There are a lot of things and health conditions that may cause tricuspid valve disease. Check below some examples:
- Certain medicines, including Fenfluramine and Phentermine (this is a diet medicine also called fen-phen)
- Infections (such as endocarditis, rheumatic fever, and others)
- Enlarged right ventricle
- Congenital (conditions present at birth) defects, including Ebstein’s anomaly
- Carcinoid syndrome
- Systemic diseases (including Marfan syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and others)
- Pulmonary hypertension
- Trauma (including damage caused by a myocardial infarction, myocardial biopsy, or pacemaker)
- Tumors or radiation therapy to the chest
Risk Factors
Doctors have identified some factors that could elevate your risk of developing tricuspid valve disease. These include:
- Genetic disorders (such as connective tissue disorder)
- Congenital heart defects
- Heart failure
- Atrial fibrillation
- Heart attack (myocardial infarction)
- Cancer treatments (such as radiation therapy)
- Lifestyle factors (including hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, excessive body weight, and others)
- Mitral valve disease
What Happens if Tricuspid Valve Disease is Left Untreated?
In some cases, this condition is asymptomatic, which may lead to some complications. Check below some examples:
- Stroke
- Heart enlargement
- Blood clots
- Liver function problems
- Systemic complications (including acute kidney injury)
- Infective endocarditis
This article does not contain a full list of tricuspid valve disease complications. However, you can consult with your physician about ways to reduce the risk or prevent complications of this disorder.
How to Prevent Tricuspid Valve Disease?
Usually, it is not possible to prevent this condition because it may occur due to a congenital heart defect. However, some people may develop this valve disease due to certain treatable health conditions. For more details, discuss it with your doctor.
Diagnosis
First, doctors will perform a physical examination to check for abnormalities linked to the disease. Thereafter, they may ask some questions about the symptoms and medical history. Physicians may also listen to your heart with a stethoscope to get more clues about the disease. If your healthcare professional suspects tricuspid valve disease, you may be referred to a cardiologist. Moreover, to confirm this condition, you may need some tests. These include:
- Electrocardiography (EKG or ECG)
- Heart MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)
- Transesophageal echocardiography
- Echocardiogram
- Chest X-ray
- Cardiac catheterization (also known as cardiac cath or angiogram)
- Blood tests
Treatment
Doctors usually prescribe different treatments for people with tricuspid valve disease because they depend on several factors. These include the severity and type of the disease, age, existing health problems, medicines you may take, and preferences. Check below the most common medicines often recommended to lessen the symptoms and prevent serious complications:
- Anti-arrhythmic medicines
- Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors
- Anticoagulants
- Digoxin to treat heart failure
- Diuretics (also called water pills) – This group of medicines is often recommended to remove extra fluid from the body
In severe cases, doctors may recommend surgery to repair or replace a damaged valve.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I expect if I have tricuspid valve disease?
In general, the prognosis of this valve disease is good. Most people get better with regular checkups and treatment. If people develop a severe form of the disease or do not get treatment, it may lead to the following serious complications. Examples include:
- Heart damage or failure
- Cardiac cirrhosis (scarring of the heart tissue)
- Blood clots
- Ascites
- Progressive worsening of the symptoms
What is the most common cause of tricuspid valve stenosis?
In most cases, people develop this type of tricuspid valve disease due to rheumatic fever, which is caused by untreated strep throat.
What conditions can be mistaken for tricuspid valve disease?
There are some diseases that can sometimes be mistaken for this valve disease. Check below some of them:
- Other valve conditions
- Infections
- Tumors
- Atrial fibrillation (AFib)
- Congenital heart defects
- Pulmonary hypertension
- Right-sided heart failure
- Endomyocardial fibrosis (also known as Loeffler endocarditis)
However, this article does not contain a complete list of diseases that can be mistaken for tricuspid valve disease. If you have additional questions, ask your healthcare professional.
