Tricuspid Regurgitation Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Definition
Tricuspid regurgitation or tricuspid insufficiency is a condition when there is an abnormal backflow of blood from the right ventricular chamber (chamber of the heart) to the right atrium of the heart. This is caused by a disturbance in the tricuspid valve which should close.
Under normal conditions, dirty blood circulation containing carbon dioxide will flow from the right atrium of the heart to the right ventricle of the heart. After that, dirty blood is pumped from the right ventricle of the heart to the lungs to be changed from dirty blood to clean blood. Clean blood then flows back into the right atrium of the heart, into the right ventricle, into the aorta, and is pumped again throughout the body.
Tricuspid regurgitation causes the heart to work harder to pump blood to the lungs. If this happens for a long time, it can cause the heart to enlarge and the risk of heart failure occurs.
Tricuspid Regurgitation Symptoms
Tricuspid regurgitation causes no symptoms at first. Symptoms will appear when pulmonary hypertension or high blood pressure has occurred. Symptoms include:
- swelling in the abdomen
- swelling in the legs
- swelling of the body
- decrease in the amount of urine
- weak
- irregular heartbeat
Tricuspid Regurgitation Reason
Various problems can cause tricuspid regurgitation, such as:
- enlargement of the right ventricle of the heart
- rheumatic heart disease
- endocarditis
- Ebstein anomaly (congenital heart disease)
- tricuspid valve prolapse
- papillary muscle dysfunction
- connective tissue disease
- tumor carcinoid
- drugs such as phentermine and fenfluramine
- trauma
Diagnosis
Usually, cases of tricuspid regurgitation are recognized by physical examination. Valve abnormalities that have caused quite a lot of blood to flow backward can cause murmurs to appear on a heart examination by a doctor.
Investigations are needed to confirm cardiac abnormalities with an echocardiogram. This examination uses sound waves to describe the heart like an ultrasound examination in pregnant women. Other supporting examinations such as X-rays, CT- scans, and MRIs can also be done.
Tricuspid Regurgitation Treatment
Treatment is not needed for mild cases of tricuspid regurgitation. However, patients still need regular checks to monitor the condition of the tricuspid valve. Cases that are severe enough to cause complications require more serious treatment.
Treatment of tricuspid regurgitation is by surgery. Medicines usually only help relieve the symptoms that arise, such as irregular heartbeat, heart failure, swelling, and high blood pressure.
Prevention
Tricuspid regurgitation can be prevented by preventing causes such as endocarditis. This includes maintaining healthy teeth and gums to prevent infection. Routine checkups or annual health checks can also be done to prevent the worsening of heart valve disease and its complications.