What is Tricuspid Regurgitation?
Tricuspid regurgitation (TR) is a valvular heart disease that occurs when the tricuspid valve—which separates the right atrium and right ventricle—fails to close completely. As a result, some blood flows backward (regurgitates) instead of moving forward into the right ventricle.
🔹 How Does the Tricuspid Valve Work?
The tricuspid valve is one of the four heart valves that ensure blood moves in the correct direction. When functioning properly, it closes tightly when the heart contracts to prevent backflow. However, in tricuspid regurgitation, the valve becomes leaky, allowing blood to flow back into the right atrium.
Causes and Risk Factors
Several conditions can lead to tricuspid regurgitation, including:
- Primary Causes (Structural Defects):
- Congenital heart defects (abnormal valve formation at birth)
- Infective endocarditis (heart valve infection)
- Rheumatic heart disease
- Chest trauma or valve damage
- Secondary Causes (Increased Pressure in the Heart):
- Medications & Lifestyle:
- Long-term use of dopamine agonists
- Radiation therapy exposure
- IV drug use (risk of valve infections)
Symptoms of Tricuspid Regurgitation
Symptoms of tricuspid regurgitation may vary based on severity. Mild cases often have no symptoms, but in moderate to severe cases, symptoms include:
- Fatigue & Weakness: The heart struggles to pump efficiently.
- Shortness of Breath (Dyspnea): Especially when lying down or during activity.
- Swelling (Edema): Fluid buildup in the legs, ankles, or abdomen.
- Neck Vein Distension: Bulging of the jugular veins due to blood backup.
- Heart Palpitations: Irregular or fluttering heartbeat.
- Frequent Urination at Night: Due to excess fluid buildup.
Diagnosis of Tricuspid Regurgitation
A doctor will use several tests to confirm tricuspid regurgitation and assess its severity:
- 📌 Physical Exam: Listening for a heart murmur (whooshing sound).
- 📌 Echocardiogram (Echo): An ultrasound of the heart to visualize the valve function.
- 📌 Electrocardiogram (ECG): Detects arrhythmias caused by valve malfunction.
- 📌 Chest X-ray: Identifies heart enlargement due to right-sided heart strain.
- 📌 Cardiac MRI: Provides detailed imaging of the heart’s structure.
Treatment and Management
Treatment for tricuspid regurgitation depends on severity and underlying cause:
🔹 Medications (For Mild to Moderate Cases)
- Diuretics (Water Pills): Reduce swelling and fluid retention.
- Beta-blockers: Help regulate heart rate.
- Anticoagulants: Used in patients with atrial fibrillation to prevent blood clots.
🔹 Surgical Treatment (For Severe Cases)
- Tricuspid Valve Repair: Surgeons reshape or reinforce the valve using an annuloplasty ring.
- Tricuspid Valve Replacement: Involves replacing the damaged valve with a mechanical or biological valve.
- Minimally Invasive Transcatheter Procedures: Used in high-risk surgical patients.