Tricuspid Regurgitation (also called tricuspid insufficiency or tricuspid incompetence) involves a back flow of blood from the right ventricle (lower–right chamber) to the right atrium (upper–right chamber) because of damage to the tricuspid valve or an enlarged right ventricle. Blood is pushed back into the major veins instead of moving forward into the lungs, where it can be oxygenated.
Causes of Tricuspid Regurgitation
The main cause of tricuspid regurgitation is enlargement of the right ventricle. This may be attributed to any disorder that causes right ventricular failure, such as increased pressure in the pulmonary artery. Damage to the tricuspid valve may be caused by rheumatic fever.
Symptoms of Tricuspid Regurgitation
Persons with tricuspid regurgitation usually have no symptoms. For patients who have pulmonary hypertension (high blood pressure in the lungs) as well as tricuspid regurgitation, signs and symptoms may include:
- Swelling of the abdomen, feet, and ankles.
- Fatigue.
- Weakness.
- Decreased urine output.
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin) and Ascites (fluid in the abdomen that may be associated with liver problems).
Tricuspid Stenosis
Tricuspid stenosis is a narrowing or obstruction of the tricuspid valve, which regulates blood flow from the right atrium (upper right chamber) to the right ventricle (lower right chamber). It causes the right atrium to become enlarged, while the right ventricle does not receive an adequate blood supply.
Causes of Tricuspid Stenosis
Tricuspid stenosis is frequently associated with rheumatic fever. Often, persons with tricuspid stenosis also have mitral stenosis. Congenital (inherited) tricuspid stenosis is rare.
Symptoms of Tricuspid Stenosis
The only symptoms associated with tricuspid stenosis are fatigue and the discomfort of an enlarged liver. Symptoms are rarely severe enough to require valve surgery.
