Tricuspid Valve Disease: Causes, Symptoms, And Treatment

What Is the Tricuspid Valve and Its Function?

The tricuspid valve is one of the four main valves in your heart. It opens to allow blood to move from the right atrium into the right ventricle and closes to prevent blood from flowing backward.. When this valve is damaged, the heart must work harder to maintain circulation, which, if left untreated, may eventually lead to right-sided heart failure.

A review in Annals of Cardiothoracic Surgery notes that tricuspid regurgitation is the most common form of tricuspid valve disease, typically caused by right-ventricular dilation due to conditions like heart failure or pulmonary hypertension.

Causes of Tricuspid Valve Disease

Several conditions can affect how the tricuspid valve functions properly. Common causes include:

• Congenital defects: Valve abnormalities present from birth that affect normal valve function.
• Rheumatic fever: A long-term complication of untreated strep throat infections that can scar or deform the tricuspid valve.
• High blood pressure in the lungs (pulmonary hypertension): This increases pressure inside the right side of the heart, leading to stretching of the right ventricle and valve leakage.
• Heart failure: Enlargement and weakening of the right ventricle can prevent the valve leaflets from closing completely, causing regurgitation.
• Endocarditis: A heart infection that damages valve tissue.
• Previous heart surgery: Especially procedures involving the mitral or aortic valves, which may increase pressure on the tricuspid valve.
• Trauma or injury to the chest: Rare, but it can affect valve movement.

Common Risk Factors

Some people are more likely to develop tricuspid valve disease because of:

• Family history of heart or valve disorders
• Long-standing pulmonary or systemic high blood pressure
• History of rheumatic fever
• Chronic lung conditions that strain the heart
• Autoimmune diseases
• HIV infection
• Previous valve surgery

Symptoms of Tricuspid Valve Disease

Symptoms usually appear gradually and may worsen as the condition progresses. You may experience:

1. Tiredness and reduced ability to exercise
2. Breathlessness, especially during physical activity
3. Swelling of the ankles, legs, or abdomen
4. Palpitations or irregular heartbeat
5. Bulging neck veins
6. Chest discomfort or pressure
7. Frequent nighttime urination
8. Unexplained weight gain due to fluid retention

How Tricuspid Valve Disease is Diagnosed

Diagnosis involves a thorough physical examination and assessment of your symptoms. Your doctor will listen for heart murmurs, check for swelling, and look for signs of fluid retention. To confirm the diagnosis and understand the severity of valve damage, imaging tests are essential.

Imaging and Diagnostic Tests for Tricuspid Valve Disease

• Echocardiogram: The primary tool that shows valve structure, leakage, and narrowing.
• ECG (Electrocardiogram): Helps detect irregular heart rhythms.
• Chest X-ray: Shows right atrial or ventricular enlargement and fluid buildup (if heart failure is present).
• CT scan: Offers detailed imaging of valve anatomy and heart chambers.
• MRI: Provides high-resolution visualisation of heart structure and blood flow.
• Cardiac catheterisation: Measures pressures in the heart chambers and pulmonary arteries to evaluate valve function and right heart performance.

These tests help determine whether the condition is mild, moderate, or severe and guide treatment decisions.

Treatment Options for Tricuspid Valve Disease

The right treatment depends on the cause, severity, and symptoms. Most people benefit from a combination of medication, lifestyle changes, and, in some cases, surgery. Early diagnosis significantly improves outcomes.

Medications for Tricuspid Valve Disease

• Diuretics: Reduce swelling by removing excess fluid from the body.
• Blood pressure or vasodilator medicines: Reduce cardiac workload and improve blood flow.
• Anticoagulants: Prevent blood clots if you have an associated arrhythmia.
• Antibiotics: Used when bacterial endocarditis or other infections are present.
• Pulmonary hypertension medications: Reduce lung pressure and improve right-heart function.

These medications help control symptoms but do not cure the disease.

Surgical Interventions: Valve Repair or Replacement

Surgery is considered when the valve is severely damaged or when medications are no longer effective. Valve repair is preferred whenever possible because it preserves your natural valve and reduces long-term complications. When repair is not feasible, valve replacement using either a mechanical or biological valve is recommended. Minimally invasive techniques may be used in suitable cases, allowing quicker recovery and fewer complications.

Managing Tricuspid Valve Disease: Lifestyle Tips

You can support your heart health and reduce disease progression by making small but important lifestyle changes:

• Limit salt and fluid intake to control fluid retention.
• Maintain normal blood pressure and manage pulmonary pressure if elevated.
• Avoid smoking to protect lung and heart health.
• Engage in moderate exercise with medical guidance.
• Monitor your weight regularly.
• Attend regular follow-up appointments.

Living with Tricuspid Valve Disease: Prognosis

Many people live healthy lives with proper treatment and regular monitoring. The prognosis varies depending on the severity of valve damage, underlying conditions, and how early treatment begins. When left untreated, severe tricuspid valve disease can worsen and lead to right-sided heart failure.

Tricuspid Valve Disease in Children and Adults

In children, tricuspid valve disease most commonly results from congenital abnormalities such as Ebstein’s anomaly or tricuspid atresia. In adults, it is more often linked to rheumatic fever, high blood pressure, chronic lung disease, or heart failure. Treatment approaches differ based on age, severity, symptoms, and whether the condition is congenital or acquired.

Conclusion

Tricuspid valve disease is manageable when detected early, and timely testing plays a key role in guiding the right treatment. If you notice symptoms such as swelling, fatigue, or breathlessness, getting evaluated without delay can significantly improve long-term heart health.

At Metropolis Healthcare, you have access to 4,000+ specialized tests, advanced cardiac biomarkers, and imaging-based cardiac diagnostics backed by expert pathologists. With full-body checkups and reliable home sample collection across 10,000+ touchpoints, and easy booking through our website, app, WhatsApp, or phone, Metropolis makes quality diagnostics accessible and convenient. Metropolis's commitment is to support every step of your health journey with precision, trust, and care.

FAQs

What are the early symptoms of tricuspid valve disease?

Early symptoms include fatigue, slight swelling in the legs, mild breathlessness, and occasional palpitations.

Can tricuspid valve disease be prevented?

You can reduce your risk by managing high blood pressure, preventing rheumatic fever, treating lung diseases early, and maintaining a heart-healthy lifestyle.

How is tricuspid valve disease diagnosed?

Doctors use physical examinations, echocardiograms, ECGs, chest X-rays, and imaging tests like CT scans and MRIs to confirm the diagnosis.

Is surgery always needed for tricuspid valve disease?

No. Mild cases are usually treated with medication and monitoring. Surgery is only considered when the valve is severely damaged or symptoms significantly worsen.

What are the treatment options for tricuspid valve disease?

Treatment includes medication, lifestyle modifications, and surgical procedures such as valve repair or replacement.

References

• https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5494422/
• https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17578-tricuspid-valve-disease
• https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001232
• https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tricuspid-valve-disease/home/ovc-20168105