Tricuspid valve disease is a type of heart valve disease (valvular heart disease). The valve between the two right heart chambers (right ventricle and right atrium) doesn't work properly. As a result, the heart must work harder to send blood to the lungs and the rest of the body.
Tricuspid valve disease often occurs with other heart valve problems.
Symptoms and treatments of tricuspid valve disease vary, depending on the specific valve condition. Treatment may include monitoring, medication, or valve repair or valve replacement.
Types
There are several types of tricuspid valve disease, including:
- Tricuspid valve regurgitation. The tricuspid valve doesn't close properly. As a result, blood leaks backward into the upper right chamber (right atrium).
- Tricuspid valve stenosis. The valve is narrowed or blocked. It's harder for blood to move from the upper right heart chamber (right atrium) to the lower right heart chamber (right ventricle).
- Tricuspid atresia. In this condition present at birth (congenital heart defect), the tricuspid valve isn't formed. A solid sheet of tissue blocks the blood flow between the right heart chambers.
- Ebstein anomaly. This is a rare heart problem that's present at birth (congenital heart defect). The tricuspid valve is in the wrong position and the valve's flaps are malformed. Blood might leak backward through the valve (tricuspid valve regurgitation).
Sept. 01, 2022
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