Tricuspid regurgitation is a condition of the heart in which your heart valve does not close properly. It is a valve that regulates blood flow in the heart. The tricuspid valve is placed in two right chambers of the heart, the right atrium, and the right ventricle. In tricuspid valve regurgitation, the valve does not close properly, which can cause the backflow of blood.
Most of the time, people do not know that they have tricuspid valve regurgitation. Often they get to know about it when the symptoms are severe, or they undergo diagnostic investigations. Generally, people live a healthy life with tricuspid regurgitation.
Some people might be born with tricuspid regurgitation- a condition called congenital heart disease. While in some, it may develop later in life. It may not cause any apparent symptoms. Therefore you might not need any medications for it. Your healthcare providers will monitor your heart functions closely. However, if the symptoms become severe, your healthcare providers might prescribe medications or surgery.
If you have mitral valve regurgitation, the healthcare providers may ask you for a detailed evaluation annually. In it, they can check the functioning of your heart. If you have the same condition, you should attend visits with your healthcare provider. To get an expert opinion, you can consult the Best Cardiologist in Karachi.
What Are The Symptoms Of Tricuspid Valve Regurgitation?
In most cases, the tricuspid valve regurgitation does not cause severe symptoms. However, as the condition progresses, it might cause them. The common symptoms when the tricuspid valve becomes severe are:
- Arrhythmias or irregular heartbeat
- Fatigue
- Breathlessness that worsens upon exertion
- Pulsing sensation in the neck
- Swelling in the abdomen, neck, or leg veins
When Should You See A Doctor?
When you are diagnosed with mitral valve regurgitation, you should keep an eye on yourself. If you develop any of the above-mentioned symptoms, you must see the healthcare provider soon. However, these symptoms might also appear because of some other health condition.
What Causes Tricuspid Valve Regurgitation?
The common causes for tricuspid regurgitation are:
Congenital Heart Defects
Sometimes the child is born with tricuspid regurgitation. The common cause for it is the Ebstein anomaly. In this condition, the tricuspid valve gets malformed and sits lower in the right ventricle.
Genetic Disorder
Tricuspid valve regurgitation can also occur due to genetic disorders. The common cause of it is Marfan’s syndrome- a connective tissue disorder associated with the tricuspid valve.
Rheumatic Fever
Untreated strep throat can lead to various complications. And one of them is damaged heart valves. Therefore it can lead to tricuspid valve regurgitation. If your child is diagnosed with strep throat, make sure they take the medicines that the doctor prescribes. Otherwise, it can cause various complications.
Infective Endocarditis
Endocarditis is the infection of the heart lining. When it remains untreated, it can damage the heart valves, including the tricuspid valve.
Carcinoid Syndrome
Carcinoid syndrome is a rare condition in which the carcinoid tumor secretes chemicals that can cause damage to your body. They can also damage your tricuspid valve. It develops in the digestive system and can spread to other parts through lymph node invasion.
Trauma
Physical trauma to the chest cavity that can occur in any accident can damage the tricuspid valve.
Pacemaker For Cardiac Wired Devices
Insertion or taking off pacemakers or cardiac wired devices can cause tricuspid regurgitation.
Heart Muscle Biopsy
Heart muscle biopsy, also known as endomyocardial biopsy, is a procedure in which the healthcare providers take your heart tissue and check it under the microscope for any condition. During this procedure, damage can occur to the tricuspid valve, leading to its regurgitation.
Radiation Therapy
Receiving radiation therapy for the chest cavity can damage your tricuspid valve and lead to its regurgitation. Your healthcare providers will only give you radiation therapy when the benefit is more than the risk.
What Are The Risk Factors For Tricuspid Valve Regurgitation?
Factors that can increase the risk of getting a tricuspid valve regurgitation are:
- Congenital heart defects, such as Ebstein anomaly
- Heart attack
- Heart failure
- Hypertension- or uncontrolled high blood pressure
- Pulmonary hypertension- a condition in which the blood pressure remains high in the lungs
- Infections affecting the heart, such as rheumatic fever and infective endocarditis
- Radiation to the chest area
- Use of certain stimulants and medications used to treat Parkinson’s disease and migraines
- Cardiomyopathy- a condition in which your heart muscle becomes weak
The Bottom Line
If you are diagnosed with tricuspid valve regurgitation, your healthcare providers often monitor your condition closely. To get an expert opinion, you can visit Prof. Dr. Zamir A. Siddiqui.