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TRICUSPID VALVE DISEASE

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TRICUSPID VALVE DISEASE

Tricuspid valve disease is a condition in which the function of the tricuspid valve is impaired.

  • The tricuspid valve is located between the two right heart chambers (right ventricle and the right atrium)
  • The role of the tricuspid valve is to make sure that blood flows in a forward direction from the right atrium to the ventricle
  • Deoxygenated blood comes from the body and fills the right atrium; it then passes to the right ventricle through the tricuspid valve. From the right ventricle, the blood is pumped to the lung to be oxygenated. The tricuspid valve closes to keep the blood from moving backward when the ventricle contracts
  • There are several types of tricuspid valve disease, including:
  • Tricuspid valve stenosis – a condition in which the tricuspid valve is stiff, thick or fused. This result in a narrowed valve, decreasing the amount of blood that can flow from the right atrium to the right ventricle
  • Tricuspid valve regurgitation – a condition in which the valve is leaky or doesn’t close properly, allowing blood to leak backward into the right atrium
  • Tricuspid atresia – this is a congenital heart defect in which the tricuspid valve does not form at all but instead a solid sheet of tissue. This tissue prevents blood flow between the right ventricle and the right atrium

CAUSES

Tricuspid valve disease is caused by:

  • Infective endocarditis
  • Rheumatic fever
  • Pulmonary hypertension
  • Dilated right ventricle
  • Tumors of the heart
  • Less common causes include trauma, carcinoid heart disease, systemic lupus, tricuspid valve prolapse

SYMPTOMS

  • Irregular heart rhythm
  • Fatigue or tiredness, especially during increased activity
  • A fluttering discomfort in the neck and chest

In severe cases, symptoms may include:

  • Shortness of breath
  • Heavy coughing sometimes with bloody sputum
  • Cold skin
  • Swollen feet, ankles, and legs

DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT

Tricuspid valve disease may be detected by the doctor during a routine medical exam. The first clinical sign of valve disease may be a heart murmur (a sound of blood flowing across an abnormal heart valve).

The doctor may use other diagnostic procedure to effectively diagnose, inform treatment and carefully monitor the condition. These may include:

  • Electrocardiogram (ECG)
  • Chest X-ray
  • Angiogram
  • There are two types of electrocardiograms: Transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) and Transesophageal echocardiograms (TEE). The doctors will determine which test is needed to get the best view of your heart valves
  • Cardiac catheterization
  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
  • Stress testing
TREATMENT

Treatment options depend on the severity of the conditions and may include:

For those with few to no symptoms and only minor stenosis or regurgitation, the doctor may recommend regular monitoring for any changes in the condition.

Medications to help reduce the symptoms or risk of complications, including:

  • Anticoagulants to prevent blood clots from forming and causing a heart attack
  • Anti-arrhythmic
  • ACE inhibitors
  • Beta-blockers
  • Diuretics

Surgical management including tricuspid valve repair. In cases where the valve cannot be repaired, a valve replacement may be needful.