Tricuspid valve regurgitation is a condition in which the valve between the two right heart chambers (right ventricle and right atrium) doesn’t close properly. This situation results in blood flowing back into your heart’s upper right chamber (right atrium). <\/p>\n
Tricuspid valve regurgitation can be the result of a condition you’re born with (congenital heart disease), or it can occur due to valve abnormalities caused by other conditions. <\/p>\n
If your condition is mild, you may not need treatment, and your condition may be monitored. However, if you have severe tricuspid valve regurgitation and you’re experiencing signs and symptoms, treatment may be necessary.<\/p>\n
Tricuspid valve regurgitation can have several causes. <\/p>\n
Tricuspid valve regurgitation is usually caused by the lower right heart chamber (right ventricle) bulging (dilating), which can lead to the tricuspid valve not working properly. This can be due to several conditions that affect the right ventricle, such as heart failure, conditions that cause high blood pressure in the arteries in your lungs (pulmonary hypertension) or an abnormal heart muscle condition (cardiomyopathy). Tricuspid valve regurgitation often occurs with heart conditions that affect the left side of the heart. <\/p>\n
Tricuspid valve regurgitation can also be caused by valve problems due to: <\/p>\n
Ebstein’s anomaly<\/strong> <\/p>\n
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Your heart, the center of your circulatory system, is made up of four chambers. The two upper chambers (atria) receive blood. The two lower chambers (ventricles) pump blood. <\/p>\n Four heart valves open and close to let blood flow in one direction through your heart. The tricuspid valve — which lies between the two chambers on the right side of your heart — consists of three flaps of tissue called leaflets. <\/p>\n The tricuspid valve opens when blood flows from the right atrium to the right ventricle. Then the flaps close to prevent the blood that has just passed into the right ventricle from flowing backward. <\/p>\n In tricuspid valve regurgitation, the tricuspid valve doesn’t close tightly. This causes the blood to flow back into the right atrium during each heartbeat.<\/p>\n Tricuspid valve regurgitation often doesn’t cause signs or symptoms until the condition is severe. You may be diagnosed with this condition when having tests for other conditions. <\/p>\n Signs and symptoms of tricuspid valve regurgitation may include: <\/p>\n
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When to see a doctor<\/strong> <\/p>\n Severe tricuspid valve regurgitation can result in heart failure. If you have signs or symptoms of heart failure — such as feeling easily fatigued or short of breath, even with normal activity — see your doctor. Your doctor may refer you to a doctor trained in heart conditions (cardiologist).<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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Chambers and the valves of the heart
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How the heart works<\/strong> <\/p>\nSYMPTOMS<\/h2>\n
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You may also experience signs or symptoms of the condition that is causing tricuspid valve regurgitation, such as pulmonary hypertension. Pulmonary hypertension symptoms may include fatigue, weakness, difficulty exercising and shortness of breath. <\/p>\n