Tricuspid regurgitation is a condition where the tricuspid valve in the heart does not close properly, allowing blood to flow backward (regurgitate) from the right ventricle into the right atrium. The tricuspid valve, located between the right atrium and right ventricle, is supposed to open to let blood flow from the right atrium into the right ventricle, and then close to prevent blood from flowing backward when the ventricle contracts to send blood to the lungs. When the valve fails to close tightly, the backward flow of blood can cause the right atrium and ventricle to become enlarged and lead to complications in the heart and other organs.
Tricuspid regurgitation can be caused by several factors:
- Right ventricular enlargement: When the right ventricle becomes enlarged or weakened, it can pull the tricuspid valve open, preventing it from closing properly. This can result from conditions such as:
– Pulmonary hypertension (high blood pressure in the lungs’ arteries)
– Heart failure
– Chronic lung diseases like COPD
- Tricuspid valve prolapse: The valve leaflets bulge back into the right atrium, allowing regurgitation.
- Rheumatic heart disease: A complication of untreated strep throat that can damage the tricuspid valve.
- Infective endocarditis: Infection of the heart lining and valves, which can damage the tricuspid valve.
- Congenital heart defects: Some people are born with abnormalities in the tricuspid valve.
- Carcinoid syndrome: A rare condition in which cancerous tumors release substances into the bloodstream that can damage the heart valves.
- Pacemaker or defibrillator wires: Devices placed inside the heart can affect valve function, leading to regurgitation.
In mild cases, tricuspid regurgitation may not cause noticeable symptoms, but as the condition worsens, symptoms can develop, including:
- Fatigue and weakness
- Swelling in the abdomen, legs, or feet (edema)
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, especially during physical activity
- Palpitations or irregular heartbeats
- Neck vein swelling (due to increased pressure in the veins that return blood to the heart)
- Pulsations in the neck (as the blood flows backward into the right atrium)
- Decreased urine output (a sign of heart failure)