Tricuspid Valve Disease
This disease is classified as when the valve between the two right heart chambers does not work properly. This causes the valve to have to work harder to pump blood to the lungs and different parts of the body potentially leading to complications like heart failure.
Causes & Risk Factors
Tricuspid valve disease can be congenital (present at birth) or develop over time due to infections, heart conditions, or other medical issues. Risk factors include:
- Rheumatic fever or untreated strep infections
- Heart failure or high blood pressure in the lungs (pulmonary hypertension)
- Congenital heart defects
- Endocarditis (heart valve infection)
- Long-term pacemaker or defibrillator leads
- Certain genetic conditions or autoimmune diseases
Symptoms
Mild cases may not cause noticeable symptoms, but as the disease progresses, individuals may experience:
- Fatigue and weakness
- Swelling in the legs, feet, or abdomen
- Shortness of breath, especially when lying down
- Heart palpitations or irregular heartbeat
- Enlarged neck veins
- Fluid buildup in the abdomen
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on the severity of symptoms and valve dysfunction. Mild cases may only need regular monitoring, while more advanced cases require medication or surgery.
- Medications: Help manage symptoms by reducing fluid buildup and controlling heart rate, but do not repair the valve. These may include diuretics, beta-blockers, or blood thinners.
- Valve Repair: In cases of severe regurgitation or stenosis, surgery may be needed to repair the valve and restore proper function.
- Valve Replacement: If the valve is too damaged, it may be replaced with a biological or mechanical valve through open-heart surgery or a minimally invasive procedure.
