Tricuspid Regurgitation

Tricuspid Valve Regurgitation is the condition in which blood leaks backwards through the tricuspid valve each time the right ventricle contracts. Minor Tricuspid Regurgitation may not even show any symptoms or don’t require treatment. However, the disease can progress over time and cause symptoms that may require urgent treatment.

However, at Apollo Hospital, Karnataka, our board-certified cardiologists & cardio surgeons have years of expertise in treating Tricuspid Regurgitation and offering a personalised and precise management plan if the surgery is not required. We also regularly monitor patients with minor Tricuspid Regurgitation to evaluate the condition’s progression.

The Tricuspid Valve
The human heart is made up of four valves, namely the mitral, tricuspid, pulmonary and aortic valves. Each valve is made up of cusps, flaps or leaflets that cause the blood to flow through them. The tricuspid valve is present between the heart’s two right chambers. The main function of the tricuspid valve is to allow blood flowing into the heart from the body to flow to the right ventricle. From the right ventricle, the blood is then pumped to the lungs for oxygen.

Tricuspid Valve Regurgitation
Tricuspid Valve Regurgitation occurs when the flaps of the tricuspid valve do not close completely. This causes blood to leak backwards into the right atrium as the right ventricle contracts. It increases the volume of blood in the right atrium, which is the upper right chamber of the heart. Consequently, the leaked blood can cause the right atrium to enlarge. This further changes the pressure in the nearby chambers and blood vessels, which can, over time, change the shape of the heart and can even lead to permanent heart damage. The risk is greater for older people, where there are chances of heart failure and even death.

Causes of Tricuspid Valve Regurgitation
Tricuspid valve regurgitation is of two types, namely functional and organic. Functional Tricuspid valve regurgitation occurs due to the presence of any other disease or condition. Organic or Primary one is not caused by any other disease. Moreover, Tricuspid Valve Regurgitation can sometimes be present in newborns with congenital birth defects.

Other common causes of Tricuspid valve regurgitation include:

• Carcinoid syndrome
• Certain medications
• COPD
• Endomyocardial Biopsy
• Genetic disorders
• Infection of the lining of the heart (infective endocarditis)
• Marfan syndrome
• Malfunction of Pacemaker or Cardiac Device wires
• Physical injury
• Radiation Therapy
• Rheumatic fever

Symptoms of Tricuspid Valve Regurgitation
As mentioned earlier, tricuspid regurgitation may not cause symptoms in its early stages. However, as the disease progresses, people may experience these common symptoms:

• Arrhythmia
• Fatigue
• Heart murmur
• Pulsing in the neck
• Shortness of breath, especially with any physical activity
• Swelling in the abdomen, legs or neck veins
• Unusually strong pulse

Most of these symptoms are related to many types of heart diseases. Therefore, such symptoms should not be ignored. If you feel any such symptoms make an appointment with the doctors at Apollo Hospital, Karnataka, before the symptoms worsen. When it comes to heart-related issues, earlier interventions are key in saving lives.

Diagnosing Tricuspid Valve Regurgitation at Apollo Hospital, Karnataka
Our doctors understand that diagnosing heart issues like tricuspid valve regurgitation is critical to the treatment process. This is why caution is taken to thoroughly evaluate the patient through physical exams, tests, screenings, and medical history. Based on individual patients, our doctors may perform all or some of the following tests to reach the right diagnosis:

• Blood tests
• Cardiac Catheterization
• Cardiac MRI
• Chest X-ray
• Echocardiography
• Electrocardiogram (ECG)
• Exercise tests or stress tests

Tricuspid Valve Regurgitation Treatment at Apollo Hospitals Karnataka
Tricuspid Valve Regurgitation is treated depending on the patient’s condition and the severity of the symptoms. If the disease is mild with no apparent symptoms, treatment is usually not required. In some cases, only medication may be enough. However, if the disease has progressed or the patient has underlying conditions that might aggravate the severity of the situation, doctors may need to intervene surgically.

We have specially trained and certified doctors who can perform minimally invasive procedures to correct the defect in eligible patients. However, not all patients benefit from minimally invasive surgery. Some conditions require traditional surgeries like:

• Tricuspid valve repair
• Tricuspid valve replacement
• Catheter procedure
• Maze procedure through open heart surgery

At Apollo Hospital, Karnataka, Tricuspid Valve Regurgitation treatment focuses on reducing the symptoms, preventing complications, and improving the overall quality of the patient’s life. We have a dedicated cardiology department with advanced facilities and world-class infrastructure wherein our highly experienced doctors treat the most complex heart conditions. Our team of heart experts works with patients tirelessly to help them manage their condition, make necessary lifestyle changes to prevent complications, and provide necessary support during their treatment.