Tricuspid Valve Disease

Tricuspid Valve Disease - What it is

The tricuspid valve is located between the right atrium (top chamber) and the right ventricle (bottom chamber) and its function is to prevent blood from flowing back into the right atrium. Tricuspid valve disease occurs when the tricuspid valve does not function properly.

Tricuspid Valve Disease - Symptoms

Some patients may live with mild tricuspid valve problems for many years without developing symptoms.

In others, the condition may worsen over time and symptoms such as the following may emerge:

Shortness of breath
Palpitations
Weakness or dizziness
Quick weight gain
Swelling of ankles, feet, legs, abdomen (oedema)
Chest discomfort

Tricuspid Valve Disease - How to prevent?

Tricuspid Valve Disease - Causes and Risk Factors

Different types of tricuspid valve disease can occur, such as:

Tricuspid valve regurgitation: This occurs when there is a backflow of blood due to the tricuspid valve not closing properly.
Tricuspid valve stenosis: This occurs when the tricuspid valve is narrowed, thus limiting or restricting blood from flowing from the right atrium to the right ventricle.
Ebstein's anomaly: This is a congenital heart defect whereby the tricuspid valve is abnormally formed, with one or two of the three leaflets being stuck lower than its usual place on the right atrium. This can result in tricuspid valve regurgitation.

If left untreated, tricuspid valve disease can lead to heart failure or atrial fibrillation.

Tricuspid Valve Disease - Diagnosis

Tricuspid valve disease is diagnosed with the help of a physical examination, and diagnostic tests such as an echocardiogram, cardiac catheterisation and electrocardiogram (ECG). Your doctor will listen to your heart with a stethoscope for unusual sounds or a heart murmur before recommending these tests.

Tricuspid Valve Disease - Treatments

Tricuspid valve disease can be treated with medication if it is a mild condition, or surgery if the tricuspid valve needs to be repaired or replaced. Factors such as the valve involved, your age, your heart function and your general state of health will determine the treatment procedure.

Heart valve repair or replacement: This is performed through conventional open heart surgery. Surgery can be minimal or extensive depending on the valve problem.

Tricuspid Valve Disease - Preparing for surgery

Tricuspid Valve Disease - Post-surgery care

Tricuspid Valve Disease - Other Information

Overview

Cardiothoracic Surgery

Article contributed by Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, National Heart Centre Singapore

The information provided is not intended as medical advice. Terms of use. Information provided by SingHealth

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