Tricuspid Valve Defects
What are Tricuspid
Valve Defects?
The tricuspid valve is located between the
heart's upper and lower chambers on the
right side. The three ("tri")
leaflets (flaps) of this valve allow one-way
blood flow from the upper-right “holding”
chamber (atrium) into the lower-right "pumping"
chamber (ventricle).
When the tricuspid valve is damaged, blood
may flow across the valve back to the atrium.
This is called tricuspid regurgitation (leakage).
It is associated with enlargement of the
right ventricle. When the right ventricle
enlarges and thickens to pump harder, the
valve opening stretches. This occurs in
about 4 out of 100,000 individuals.
The most common reason for tricuspid valve
leakage is high pulmonary pressures caused
by a damaged mitral
valve or a narrowing (stenosis) of the
pulmonary valve.
This may be a complication of rheumatic
fever or certain diet medications ("Phen-fen").
Tricuspid regurgitation is also called tricuspid
insufficiency or tricuspid incompetence.
Tricuspid regurgitation usually does not
produce symptoms. If blood pressure in the
lungs has increased, however, symptoms may
include:
- Pulsing in the neck veins
- Abdominal swelling
- Feet and ankle swelling
- Active neck vein pulsations
- Weakness
- Fatigue
- Decreased urine
- Swelling throughout body.
If suspected, tricuspid valve defects may
be diagnosed with the following tests:
Treatment Options
Often, no treatment is necessary. Medications
may be prescribed to alleviate symptoms.
If the regurgitation is severe, surgery
to repair or replace the tricuspid valve
may be necessary.
Follow-up Care
Patients with repaired tricuspid valves
should be monitored at regular medical checkups
by experienced cardiologists. Patients with
congenital valve disease are at risk for
bacterial endocarditis,
an infection of the heart’s valves
or inner lining (endocardium.) Before having
certain dental or surgical procedures performed,
it may be necessary to take preventive antibiotics.
Need an appointment? Request one online 24
hours a day, 7 days a week; or call 800-789-PENN (7366) to speak to a
referral counselor.
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